GUARDIANS OF THE SEA. Philippine Coast Guard officers conduct regular patrol at the West Philippine Sea in this file photo. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the implementation of a “response and countermeasure package” in the face of China’s continued aggression in the disputed territory. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin on Monday asked former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to offer solutions, instead of asking for the resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., amid the continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Alvarez, the incumbent representative of the first district of Davao del Norte, earlier suggested that President Marcos should resign to ease tensions in the WPS.
“Maybe it would be a good contribution by the former Speaker to put forward solutions,” Garin said in a press conference at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
“Ano ba ang pwedeng solusyon dito sa dispute na ito? Ano ba ang dapat gawin (What could be the solution to this dispute? What should be done) instead of calling for a resignation? Because that [call for] resignation will not really solve the problem.”
Garin questioned the rationale behind Alvarez's resignation call, saying resolving complex issues such as the WPS disputes cannot be achieved overnight by a single president.
“What is important is that we are seeing concrete steps. The leadership of our country will not yield even an inch of our territory,” Garin said.
In a statement released on social media on March 28, Marcos said he met with security and defense officials in the past few days following the March 23 water cannon attack of a China Coast Guard vessel on and blocking of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels of a Philippine supply vessel in Ayungin Shoal.
The President bared he has been in “constant communication” with representatives of the country’s allies, partners, and friends in the international community.
“They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said. (PNA)
