SP thanks Duterte for Pangasinan fishermen
FOR RESUMED FISHING IN PANATAG SHOAL
LINGAYEN– The provincial board was divided when it passed a resolution Monday expressing gratitude of the province for the efforts made by President Rodrigo Duterte that made Filipino fishermen to resume fishing in Panatag Shoal.
The members voted 7(for) -3 (against)-2 (abstained) on the resolution, sponsored by Board Members Jeremy Agerico Rosario and Raul Sison of the 4th and 2nd districts respectively, after it met a strong opposition from 6th District Board Member Noel Bince who questioned the propriety and legality of its passage.
The resolution credited President Duterte’s “quiet diplomacy trying to build mutual trust and confidence, the friendship between China and the Philippines has been renewed that resulted in Filipino fishermen’s full access to Panatag Shoal.”
He said the provincial government is elated with the present arrangement reached by the national government over the plight of the fishermen.
But Bince quickly warned his colleagues about the implications and possible impact of the resolution, particularly its timing and legal propriety.
“Although the resolution seems to be simple, and not controversial, I believe that it is full of booby traps or loopholes,” Bince said.
He warned that the Panatag Shoal issue “is very sensitive and volatile issue” and even cited President Duterte’s apparent reluctance to issue a definite statement over the fishermen’s sudden access to the Panatag Shoal.
Bince said he believes that it is still not the proper time to talk about the Panatag Shoal issue since any statement on the West Philippine issue will be scrutinized by China.
“Let us not be the cause of friction between China and the Philippines. Let us not exacerbate the situation by releasing unwanted statement and resolution,” he added.
He said the resolution “could wittingly or unwittingly give wrong signal to our fishermen” that Filipino fishermen “can now assert their right to fish again.”
Due to Bince’s strong opposition, the board members decided to vote through secret balloting for its approval.
Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, presiding officer, announced the results as 7-3-2.
“The national government really worked hard, especially President Duterte for our fishermen and those from Zambales to be able to go back to Pangatag Shoal to fish,” Rosario told The PUNCH.
“At least we did something for Pangasinan,” he said. “I am happy that this was passed. It was a mere show of sentiment for the issue at hand, no more, no less,” he added.
Rosario said he had talked to mayors of Infanta, Dasol and Burgos towns whose fishermen go to Panatag Shoal to fish and was told they are very happy with the positive developments in the disputed territory. (Tita Roces)
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