The chairman emeritus of the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement has denounced China's claim that Palawan is part of its territory, calling it “ludicrous” and a “blatant violation of international law.”

Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, representing the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas party-list, asserted that China’s assertion contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Beijing itself signed. He warned that China’s continued expansion poses a serious threat to Philippine sovereignty.

“The oppression we face from a country we once considered a trade and cultural ally is undeniable,” Goitia said.

He accused China of manipulating history to justify its territorial claims and condemned its actions in the West Philippine Sea, including the harassment of Filipino fishermen and military personnel.

Goitia also criticized economic deals made during the Duterte administration, alleging that they served as a cover for China’s expansionist agenda.

“This nonsense must end. We will not allow you to seize our sovereign territory and rewrite history,” he said.

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, but Beijing has continued to disregard the decision.

As tensions rise, movements like Filipinos Do Not Yield have vowed to intensify their efforts to resist foreign incursions.

“Respect international maritime law,” Goitia insisted. “The Filipino people will not yield.”