Gov’t has plan on Panatag but won’t say what

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is not about to disclose its decision on how to deal with the prolonged standoff with China over the disputed Panatag Shoal.

Facing reporters Friday, July 6, a day after a high-level government meeting on China that was called by President Benigno Aquino III, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda refused to discuss details of the meeting, saying it was held in executive session and therefore confidential.

He admitted a decision has been made on the Panatag standoff. “There was a decision made and the decision cannot be disclosed. As to what actions they are, we cannot, I cannot disclose under pain of imprisonment.”

Aside from the Cabinet, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen Antonio Trillanes IV also joined the meeting, Lacierda said.

The government has been in a 3-month standoff with China over the disputed Panatag Shoal off Zambales. At some point, both sides agreed to pull their ships out of the area, but China has again brought its vessels to Panatag.

The focus of the meeting was China and security matters, Lacierda said. “Yes. That’s it. That’s the only thing I can say. Because the President already mentioned that he was going to convene the full Cabinet for the discussions on China.”

On June 20, President Aquino said the government will redeploy its ships once it is able to establish that there’s renewed Chinese presence in the area. “If there’s a presence in our territorial waters, then we will redeploy. But if there is no other presence, there’s no need to deploy, and they can go back to their normal (task) of safeguarding… our coastlines,” the President explained then.

On Thursday, July 5, netizens weighed in on the issue. – Rappler.com