CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, along with Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, expressed strong support for Marcos administration’s efforts to protect the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This support was voiced during the “Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea” press conference on August 16, 2024.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez highlighted her role in authoring Resolution No. 14859 during the Cagayan de Oro City Council’s 71st regular session on February 26, 2024. Titled “Resolution Expressing the Collective Support of the Residents of Cagayan de Oro for the Philippine Government’s Efforts in Protecting the West Philippine Sea,” the declaration aimed to show solidarity with the national government’s efforts to defend the West Philippine Sea.
“This resolution signifies the unity of the Kagay-anons. City solidarity is essential. We stand with our national government in defending our territory in the West Philippine Sea. Let us continue to protect our territory, knowing that our actions today will lead to a stronger, more unified nation tomorrow,” the vice-mayor said.
Representative Rufus Rodriguez emphasized the need to reaffirm the Philippines’ sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) amid increasing illegal activities by China in the West Philippine Sea. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, the Philippines has sovereign rights over a 200-mile EEZ. Despite these legal rights, China’s aggressive actions challenge the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
He also recalled the legal victory of July 12, 2016, when the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims based on the nine-dash line. This ruling affirmed that the disputed features in the West Philippine Sea fall within the Philippines’ EEZ and that no foreign entity can exploit these resources without permission. Despite this, China continues to assert its presence, raising concerns about the Philippines’ ability to enforce its rights.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains committed to protecting the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic and strategic means, ensuring the country asserts its legal rights without escalating tensions.
As part of this strategy, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea launched the “Takbo para sa West Philippine Sea” to raise awareness and rally support.
Congressman Rodriguez, a strong advocate for protecting the West Philippine Sea, supports this initiative and emphasizes the importance of unity and collective action in defending the nation’s territorial rights, stressing the crucial role of local leaders and communities in this national effort.
“By participating in activities like ‘Takbo para sa WPS,’ citizens and leaders can show their dedication to safeguarding national interests. I urged all Filipinos, not just Kagay-anons, to unite for a common cause and work together to ensure the Philippines’ sovereignty is respected,” he said. (JAKA/PIA-10)
