Osmeña says Archival is ‘playing it safe’ on West Philippine Sea issue Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña on Monday criticized Mayor Nestor Archival for taking what he described as a ‘cautious’ stance on the West Philippine Sea issue. Osmeña said the city should firmly defend Philippine sovereignty amid China's diplomatic protest over Cebu City's observance of ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day.’

Osmeña, who has been an outspoken advocate for the city's sovereignty, said Archival's approach was not sufficient to address the growing tensions between the Philippines and China. He pointed out that the city should take a stronger stance in defending its territorial rights, particularly in areas such as the Panatag Shoal and the Scarborough Reef.

‘We need to be more assertive in defending our sovereignty,' Osmeña said. ‘We can't just sit back and wait for China to take our territory. We need to take action and defend our rights.' He added that Archival's silence on the issue was a ‘betrayal' of the city's trust.

The criticism came as Cebu City is set to observe its second West Philippine Sea Victory Day on July 17. The city has been holding an annual celebration to commemorate the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal, which declared that China's ‘nine-dash line' does not cover the West Philippine Sea.

Osmeña also criticized Archival for his lack of transparency in handling the issue. He said the mayor should have provided more information to the public about the city's stance on the West Philippine Sea issue. ‘The public has a right to know what's going on,' Osmeña said. ‘We can't just keep them in the dark and expect them to understand the situation.'

The criticism from Osmeña comes as tensions between the Philippines and China continue to escalate. China has been exerting pressure on the Philippines to drop its claims to the West Philippine Sea, citing historical claims and the principle of ‘non-interference.' However, the Philippines has maintained its position, citing the 2016 ruling and the country's commitment to upholding its sovereignty.

Key Facts:

  • Cebu City will observe its second West Philippine Sea Victory Day on July 17.
  • The city has been holding an annual celebration to commemorate the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal.
  • China has been exerting pressure on the Philippines to drop its claims to the West Philippine Sea.
  • The Philippines has maintained its position, citing the 2016 ruling and the country's commitment to upholding its sovereignty.
  • Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has criticized Mayor Nestor Archival for his ‘cautious’ stance on the West Philippine Sea issue.