Palawan Provincial Board Condemns Senator's Call to Abandon Kalayaan Islands
The Palawan Provincial Board has delivered a forceful rebuke to Senator Rodante Marcoleta's controversial statement suggesting the Philippines should 'give up' the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). In a privilege speech, Board Member Ryan Maminta presented a detailed defense of the islands' significance and functionality, directly challenging the senator's position.
Functional Community and Government Presence
Board Member Maminta emphasized that Kalayaan Municipality operates as a fully functional local government unit with essential infrastructure. The islands host a clinic, school, Commission on Elections office, and other critical government facilities, demonstrating sustained administrative presence. Approximately 400 civilians reside peacefully on the islands with their families, with most engaged in fishing as their primary livelihood.
Security and Strategic Importance
The board member highlighted the security arrangements in place, noting that security forces are supported by soldiers deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines at military outposts. Maminta stressed this is not a fictional scenario but a tangible reality of Philippine sovereignty. He posed a critical question: if the Kalayaan Island Group were surrendered due to tensions in the West Philippine Sea, what would prevent other nations from subsequently claiming the entire province of Palawan and other Philippine islands in the future?
Unified Opposition from Local Government
The Palawan local lawmaker firmly expressed complete opposition and condemnation of Senator Marcoleta's controversial remarks, which were made several days prior. Beyond Board Member Maminta's speech, several other members of the Palawan board issued nearly identical condemnations, including their presiding officer. This unified response underscores the local government's commitment to defending Philippine territorial integrity and the livelihoods of Kalayaan residents.
The board's statement reinforces that abandoning the Kalayaan Island Group would establish a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging further territorial claims against Philippine sovereignty. The civilian population, government infrastructure, and military presence collectively affirm the islands' status as an integral part of the nation.
