In a discussion of geopolitics and security, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Rappler Editor-at-Large Marites Vitug discussed the importance and significant information regarding the heated conflict in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the 3rd National Investigative Journalism Conference (IJcon) held at Novotel in Quezon City from April 30 to May 2.
According to Carpio, the ongoing dispute in the WPS between the Philippines and China is rooted in territorial and maritime claims. If China were to acknowledge the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the dispute would largely be resolved.
“We have to focus always on China seizing what belongs to other coastal states. China wants to invade our natural resources, and we have to fight back because that belongs to us. If China will only say, ‘Philippines, we recognize your EEZ,’ there’s no more dispute with China. It is really the claim of China [that is the root of] this dispute,” Carpio reiterated.
Meanwhile, Vitug stressed the importance of clear and unbiased reporting on the dispute, noting that international law supports the Philippines’ claim in the region. Vitug shared the notion of “false balance” in reporting, where both sides of the dispute are treated as equal despite clear evidence favoring one side.
She discussed that one concerning aspect of the issue is the phenomenon of false balance, where news organizations strive to present opposing views as equally valid even when the evidence is heavily one-sided.
In the case of the Philippines, there is a clear-cut decision in favor of its claims backed by a 500-page tribunal ruling, which aligns with international law. Despite this, some reporters continue to frame the region as disputed, often reflecting China’s perspective rather than the Philippine stance.
She also emphasized that efforts such as fact-checking are essential in challenging disinformation and ensuring accurate reporting. Indonesia and Malaysia are also taking measures to conduct their own fact-checking to protect against misinformation.
“I think the first thing is really awareness that there is this disinformation from China dividing us, very harmful ang effects (as) they want to divide us; they want us to quarrel among ourselves; they want us to doubt our leaders; they want to doubt us by the facts that has been laid out by the court,” Vitug said.
Leonardo Cuaresma, the representative of the Masinloc Fishermen Association in Zambales, was also present during the discussion as he recounted his experience of fishing in the waters of the WPS, particularly in Scarborough Shoal.
Cuaresma describes the hardships he and his fellow fishermen face due to Chinese vessels, including being forcibly driven away and having their best catches seized. Despite the challenges and harassment, the fisherman acknowledges the recent efforts of the Philippine government, which have brought some much-needed support and assistance.
In addition, Cuaresma also shared that Chinese vessels often confiscate their high-quality catches, leaving them with only the lesser-quality fish as their earnings. Despite the challenges and attempts by the previous administration to restrain their livelihood, he persisted in his work as a means of sustaining himself and his family.
“Tinataboy po kami ng mga Chinese na parang sila ang may-ari at ang mga Pilipinong mangingisda ay parang dayuhan. Na ang dating, kapag kami ay nagingingisda, kapag kami ay nakakahuli ng mga isda, kinukuha pa ang aming magagandang isda, pinipili ang magaganda at kung ano ang matitira sa kanilang pinili ay iyon na lamang po ang sa amin,” Cuaresma said.
Recalling the roots of the territorial conflict between China and the Philippines in the WPS spans several decades. It intensified in the 2010s when the Philippines brought the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013, leading to a 2016 ruling largely favoring the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite the ruling, China continues to assert its claims over WPS, including the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, causing ongoing tensions.
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) spearheaded the three-day conference, marking its 35th founding anniversary. More than 100 journalists and communicators, including the correspondents from BicoldotPH, as well as civil society representatives and academic experts from across the Philippines, attended the event. I Alliah Jane Babila