Filipino leaders reject Chinese social media claims on Palawan

On Sunday, March 2, senators and government officials denounced claims circulating on Chinese social media platforms asserting China's jurisdiction over Palawan Island.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada stated that these claims are a blatant affront to the nation's sovereignty and distort historical truth.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad described such claims as 'absurd,' emphasizing that it is impossible for any part of the Philippines to be included in another country’s sovereign territory.

Francis Tolentino, Senate Majority Leader, also denounced China's claim, stating that Palawan belongs to the Philippines and not Guangdong province.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Thursday further debunked these claims, noting they are part of Beijing's 'cognitive warfare.'

According to NMC spokesman Undersecretary Alexander Lopez, while Admiral Zheng visited Southeast Asia during the 15th and 14th centuries, there is no historical record of him visiting Palawan, thus negating any claim that Palawan belongs to China.

Palawan has been, is, and will always remain part of Philippine territory, according to government officials.