House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V called on Filipino voters to reject candidates with pro-China stances in the upcoming midterm elections, amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Ortega’s statement followed a recent incident in which a Chinese vessel used a sonic device against a Philippine Coast Guard ship near Zambales, raising concerns about China’s increasing aggression in the region. He stressed that such actions pose a direct threat to the country’s sovereignty.
He emphasized that supporting candidates who show leniency towards China is akin to endorsing harassment against the Philippine Coast Guard and the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
Ortega further stated that voters must question whether they want China to control their decisions or elect leaders who will stand up for the country’s sovereignty and not yield to foreign intimidation.
He also pointed out that China’s aggression is not only a territorial issue but also an economic one. Ortega warned that any candidate willing to compromise the nation’s assets for political gain is betraying the country.
The congressman concluded by asserting that candidates willing to align with China’s interests should not have the right to run for office, as their loyalty to the nation is in question.
