President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippines has made “progress” in talks with China regarding the fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He made the remark after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently reported that a Chinese navy ship closely trailed and "challenged" the BRP Francisco Dagohoy from Pag-asa Island in WPS to Palawan province.
"'Yung latest na report ay sinundan na lang. Hindi na katulad nang dati na talagang hinaharang. So, there's a little progress there,” Marcos told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 125th Founding Anniversary celebration.
The President cited that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) projected that fisherfolks’ haul will increase as they are now given a chance to continue their fishing ventures.
“That is because we are continuing to talk to the Chinese government, to President Xi, in every way,” he added.
Marcos shared that when he met President Xi during his state visit last January, he insisted on discussing fishing activities first rather than the territorial dispute in WPS.
The President also mentioned that the national government also continuously coordinates with China about the imposition of a fishing ban.
“Para hindi na basta fishing ban na ngayon, para makapag-plano naman tayo. Kapag sasabihin na fishing ban in two months time, planuhin na natin kung ano gagawin ng mangingisda. Bibigyan natin sila ng livelihood at source of income," he said.
"But we are slowly making progress because the key to that really is the improved communiction between the Philippine government and Chinese government," Marcos further said.
