Phil senators reject China's claim on Sandy Cay

On Monday, April 28, several Philippine senators criticized China's claim over Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea, dismissing Beijing's assertion as a manufactured spectacle.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to file another diplomatic protest and called for increased patrols by the Philippine Coast Guard after Chinese state media reported that the China Coast Guard had seized the disputed sandbar near Thitu Island.

Philippine authorities dispatched teams to inspect the area, only to find no evidence of Chinese presence, with Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya of the National Security Council debunking China's claim and confirming there is 'no truth whatsoever' to the report.

Hontiveros emphasized that international law supports the Philippines' sovereignty over Sandy Cay, which is only 2 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island, urging the government to take appropriate action to safeguard the country's claim on the disputed reef.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino and Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also rebuked China's recent proclamations, asserting that Sandy Cay belongs to the Filipino people and warning of a significant threat to national security if true.