CHIEF Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte for failing to safeguard the Philippines’ national interests in the West Philippine Sea despite his administration’s close ties with China.
Enrile said the maritime disputes with China remain unresolved because Duterte did not take decisive action regarding the contested waters.
“During his time, we had peaceful relations with China. But he did not secure our national interest in the West Philippine Sea,” Enrile stated in Filipino.
He further noted that this lack of action continues to be a problem today.
CHINA’S MILITARY ADVANTAGE
Enrile acknowledged that international law alone is not enough to assert the country’s claims, as China’s military dominance allows it to maintain control over the region.
“So he who has the guns will rule, and they have the guns—China has,” he said, emphasizing that the Philippines lacks the military capability to challenge China’s presence.
CONCERNS OVER PHILIPPINE RISE
Beyond the West Philippine Sea, Enrile also raised concerns about China’s interest in the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise)—a resource-rich undersea plateau east of Luzon.
“We need to provide security coverage for the northern portion of Luzon because the Philippine Rise is not being developed yet. It has the potential to be an energy source for us, but China is eyeing that place,” he warned.
IMPORTANCE OF NORTHERN LUZON SECURITY
Enrile also stressed the need to protect northern Luzon, particularly Cagayan, where the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is located.
CEZA, established under Republic Act No. 7922, aims to boost economic growth by attracting investments in tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and financial technology.
In addition, it plays a strategic role in national defense, with parts of its jurisdiction designated as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, contributing to regional security and stability.