Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia
Propaganda Disguised as “Rescue”
On December 26, China’s Embassy in Manila publicized an incident involving a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel that allegedly provided food and water to a Filipino fisherman, claiming coordination with Philippine authorities. Framed as humanitarian assistance, the narrative was clearly intended to portray China as a benign presence in waters where it has no legal standing.
“This was never just about aid,” said Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia. “It was about narrative control—using a single act to dilute a long pattern of harassment, coercion, and intrusion.”
Facts, Not Spin
The Philippine Coast Guard, through Commodore Jay Tarriela, set the record straight. There was no prior notice from the People’s Liberation Army Navy regarding the fisherman’s location or condition. Contrary to claims that he had been adrift for three days, the fisherman was safely moored to a payao and recovered in under 24 hours.
Most critically, the incident occurred within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone off Zambales, where the People’s Liberation Army Navy has no legitimate basis to operate.
“These facts matter,” Goitia said. “Without jurisdiction, presence becomes intrusion, no matter how it is packaged.”
Compassion Without Concession
The Philippines does not reject humanitarian acts. What it rejects is the attempt to convert compassion into consent for unlawful presence.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the country’s rights are settled. Acknowledging assistance does not legitimize unauthorized operations, nor does it erase a documented pattern of coercive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
“We can recognize humanity without surrendering legality,” Goitia said. “Kindness does not cancel sovereignty.”
Law Over Noise, Evidence Over Theater
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine response has been deliberate and consistent. Rather than trading in propaganda, authorities have answered with facts, timelines, coordinates, and law. This approach reflects leadership that understands sovereignty is defended not through theatrics, but through discipline, restraint, and fidelity to international law.
“Strength is shown not by volume, but by clarity,” Goitia said. “Under President Marcos, the country has chosen to stand firm—calm, lawful, and unyielding.”
“When your position rests on law and evidence, you do not need to shout,” Goitia added. “You present the record and let it stand.”
A Line That Will Hold
In the West Philippine Sea, this is no longer merely a contest of vessels. It is a contest between truth and manipulation. On that ground, the Philippines must remain clear-eyed, united, and firm.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that line has been drawn clearly. The country has chosen to defend its rights with calm resolve, anchored in law, evidence, and national dignity.
“Our waters are not props,” Goitia concluded. “They are part of the Republic. And they will be defended as such.”
Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia is Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement—organizations that advocate truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people. (Bong Son)
