Senator Tulfo Slams Chinese Territorial Claims Over Batanes; Pushes for Education Act to Combat Disinformation
MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo has formally challenged recent assertions made by Chinese scholars suggesting that the Philippine province of Batanes is part of China’s territory. During a symposium held on June 30, these scholars characterized the northernmost Philippine archipelago as a “natural geographical extension” of Taiwan—a territory Beijing also claims as its own. Tulfo expressed deep concern over the escalating nature of these claims, warning that the rhetoric represents a dangerous shift from Beijing’s long-standing encroachment in the West Philippine Sea to overt territorial demands regarding islands closer to the Philippine mainland.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the neophyte senator questioned the ambition and audacity behind the narrative, asking, “What’s next? Palawan? Zambales? Cagayan?” Tulfo emphasized that these claims are not merely academic exercises but are part of a broader, disconcerting strategic pattern. He criticized the timing of the rhetoric, noting the irony that such provocations are surfacing just as the Philippines observes the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which definitively invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims and affirmed the country’s sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Tulfo renewed his call for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1625, officially titled the “West Philippine Sea Education Act.” The senator argued that the government must adopt a proactive, multi-faceted approach to national defense that goes beyond traditional military posturing. By institutionalizing the study of Philippine maritime territory, the proposed legislation aims to build a public firewall against misinformation campaigns that seek to confuse the citizenry and undermine the historical and legal integrity of the nation’s borders.
The proposed act outlines a structural shift in the national curriculum, mandating that the Department of Education (DepEd) integrate age-appropriate instructions into the basic education system. According to the bill, these learning materials must be firmly anchored in internationally recognized facts, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and existing Philippine laws. Furthermore, the legislation requires the government to implement comprehensive training programs for educators, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to convey the realities of the West Philippine Sea and the strategic importance of the country’s northern archipelagic defenses.
For Senator Tulfo, the battle to protect territorial integrity is rooted in both patriotism and economic survival. He stressed that knowledge is a key component of national security, as it empowers the Filipino people to recognize the value of their own resources. By ensuring that every generation understands exactly what is legally theirs, the government can foster a more vigilant and unified populace capable of defending national interests during times of geopolitical tension. He warned that allowing baseless foreign claims to gain momentum without a robust, state-sponsored rebuttal is a strategy for failure.
In his concluding remarks, the senator remained defiant, asserting that the Philippines will continue to stand firm against any attempts to challenge its sovereignty. He reiterated that such claims, regardless of their source or presentation, should never be granted legitimacy or public credence. As the country navigates an increasingly complex regional security landscape, Tulfo’s message to his colleagues and the public remains clear: the protection of the nation’s heritage and its natural maritime resources is a non-negotiable duty that requires an informed and educated citizenry.