Yes, help our fishermen by talking to China, but…

SUPREME Court Justice Antonio Carpio is right. The Philippine government should help Filipino fishermen get access to the waters that have been their—and Chinese and other Southeast Asian peoples’—traditional fishing ground in the South China (West Philippine) Sea. And help the cash-strapped fishermen because they have no income.

The United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled that virtually says that what we call the West Philippine Sea is Philippine territory, meaning it is within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as defined by international covenants and protocols. Therefore, China’s PLA Navy and Coast Guard ships must not harass and drive away Filipino fishermen.