Pacquiao said that he would also invite neighboring countries that have a stake in the South China Sea, but not the United States. He did not elaborate. PHVote WeDecide READ:
While it seemed Pacquiao was leaning toward dialogue and diplomacy, the boxing icon-turned-politician also said that if he were president and China attacked the Philippines, he would not think twice about defending the country.
“‘Pag dumating ang scenario na ‘yan, tayong mga Pilipino, tayo ay palaban eh. ‘Di lamang sa bansang Tsina, sa buong mundo, ang Pilipino, hindi tayo umaatras. Kaya nating ibuwis ang buhay natin para sa ating bansa,”, “Kaya natin kinakanta, ‘Ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo.” He answered the same when asked if the Philippines would engage in a defensive war with China during anPacquiao told Abunda that the country’s ancestors fought for the Philippines.In another interview with radio DZBB on Thursday, January 27, Pacquiao said that he would ask the Philippine Coast Guard to protect Filipino fishermen when fishing in the West Philippine Sea.
“Lahat ng mangingisda, gusto ko malaya silang mangingisda sa ating bansa, sa teritoryo natin. At ang gagawin natin diyan, pabantayan natin ng mga Coast Guard natin para hindi sila takutin [ng China]. Hindi sila paalisin, ipagtabuyan,”(I want the fisherfolk to have the freedom to fish in our country, in our territory. I would ask the Coast Guard to help out so that the fisherfolk would not be harassed by China. They would not be asked to leave nor driven away.