Senator Erwin Tulfo is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 1625, or the West Philippine Sea Education Act, following claims by a Chinese scholar that Batanes is part of China's territory. The bill mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct training for teachers and instructors on West Philippine Sea (WPS) education.
Bill Provisions and Rationale
Under the proposed law, learning materials will include the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that recognizes Philippine ownership of the WPS, Supreme Court decisions, and relevant national laws. Tulfo emphasized the need for swift action to prevent Filipinos from being easily deceived regarding WPS claims. He stressed that basic education should already equip Filipinos with knowledge about the country's territorial rights.
Condemnation of Chinese Claims
Tulfo condemned recent statements by Chinese scholars claiming Batanes as Chinese territory. He called these successive territorial claims a warning, especially as they coincide with the anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling favoring the Philippines. The senator underscored that territorial knowledge is not just a matter of patriotism but a practical way to inform Filipinos of Philippine ownership over its territory and natural resources.
