How are PH-China deals affecting Filipino communities

MANILA, Philippines –  “Duterte, Xi Jinping, Philippines not for sale!”

This was the cry of various groups as they protested the possible deals between Philippines and China that could affect their lives and their communities.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Philippines for a two-day state visit on Tuesday, November 20. This is the first visit of a Chinese leader in the country in 13 years. 

While Xi was walking along the red carpet in Malacañang, a crowd was protesting at the Chinese Consulate in Makati City. They were mostly fisherfolk and indigenous people denouncing the Chinese leader’s arrival. (IN PHOTOS: Groups to Xi Jinping: ‘Stay out of West PH Sea’)

A number of deals between the Philippines and China are expected to be signed during Xi’s state visit. How are these affecting Filipino communities?

‘Build, Build, Build’

One of China’s offerings is a loan to finance the Philippine government’s infrastructure program which includes the construction of dams.

Known as one of the cornerstone of the Duterte administration’s ‘development’ project, the ‘Build Build Build’ program is drawing flak from marginalized sectors. Some said the program is causing ‘suffering’ for people in the countryside. (READ: Hits and misses of Duterte’s infrastructure push)

Among those who oppose the program is 20-year-old Memar Doroteo, a Dumagat.

Born in Tanay, Rizal, she spent all her years in the area. Because of the possible continuation of the proposed New Centennial Water Source Project (NCWSP) which involves the construction of the Laiban and Kaliwa dams, Doroteo may be forced to leave the place where she envisioned her dreams.

“Yung lupa doon sa amin parang buhay na rin namin at tsaka isa pa, pinagmulan po namin iyon. Doon na nawala ‘yung mga ninuno namin tapos masakit sa amin na sariling lupa namin e ‘yun, mapapalayas kami,” she shared. (The land there is our life and one more thing, that’s where we came from. Our ancestors died there. That’s why it hurts when we are forced to leave our own land.)

Doroteo said that if the project pushes through, the Dumagat youth’s future will erode along with their mountains and hills. Additionally, other indigenous tribes including the Igorots in Kalinga will need to leave their ancestral lands.

China’s “debt trap”

According to an IBON Foundation report, the government needs P8.4 trillion for its infrastructure program.

At the protest action held in front of the Chinese Embassy, former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares pointed out the Philippines seems to be falling into China’s “debt trap.”

Questioning the government’s move of asking for assistance from China instead of other nations whose interest rate are much lower, Colmenares raised concern over its possible implications. (READ: [OPINION] What scares me the most about China’s new, ‘friendly’ loans)

The country’s territories, including Philippine waters might be used as collateral, if not a form of payment for the loans to be extended by China.

West Philippine Sea

Long before Xi’s visit, the dispute at the West Philippine Sea has already created noise. According to Malacañang, there were plans for a framework agreement on joint exploration for oil and gas to be signed. (READ: PH quietly prepares joint exploration deal with China for Xi visit)

Earlier this year, aside from the continued reclamation, reports of bullying being committed by the Chinese Coast Guard to Filipino fishermen intensified the calls for the government to take concrete action to defend the country’s economic rights. 

Months after the incident, this is still the call of Bobby Roldan, a fisherman in Zambales.

“Iginigiit namin ‘yung aming karapatan na malayang makapangisda partikular sa West Philippine Sea,” Roldan said. (We are insisting our rights to peacefully fish at the West Philippine Sea.)

As a father who supports a family of 5, Roldan was concerned about the possible joint exploration agreement between the Philippines and China.

“Kasi kung dito pa lang sa Scarborough, diyan pa lang sa mga bahura e hindi na kami makapasok e lalo na kung magkaroon ng joint exploration ang Pilipinas at tsaka ang China baka halos lahat ng mga mangingisda ay hindi na makapalaot,” he said. (Because now at the Scarborough, we cannot even enter the reefs. How much more if there’s already a joint exploration between the Philippines and China, there’s a possibilty that we can no longer do fishing.)

According to Roldan, the possible deal would greatly affect the lives of the fisherfolk.

“Patuloy ‘yung conversion na ginagawa nila sa dagat na mismong ang tinatamaan ay yung mga kabahayan ng mga maliliit na mangingisda sa baybayin partikular sa Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan hanggang Zambales,” shared Roldan. (They are continually converting the waters that affects houses of small fishermen in Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales.)

Both Doroteo and Roldan were asking Duterte not to pursue deals with China as this would not only affect them but also the majority of the Filipino people.

“Gusto kong iparating kay Duterte ay ‘yung huwag ituloy ‘yung dam, huwag pahintulutan na ituloy, pabuksan ‘yung Laiban Dam gawa nung siyempre hindi naman iilan lamang ‘yung mga maaapektuhan doon kundi maraming maaapektuhan,” she said. (I want to ask Duterte to stop the possible construction of the Laiban Dam because it will not only affect us but a lot of people.) – Rappler.com