AFTER the tension, which flared after the shooting and death of a Taiwanese fisherman by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 9, the Philippines and Taiwan have agreed to avoid resorting to force and preventing the recurrence of similar incidents.
The two nations are also expected to meet in July for the second part of a bilateral fishing agreement in disputed waters.
Participants to the meeting will also work out a mechanism for cooperation in law enforcement in overlapping waters of the two countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
President Benigno Aquino said the Philippine government is reviewing the possible impact of any fishing cooperation with Taiwan on Filipino fishermen.
“As I said, let us finish this issue first before we talk about the fisheries agreement. In the meantime, we are preparing. We are conducting an inventory of all our laws with regards to our patrimony, and the regulations affecting fisheries,” Aquino said.
Following the initial negotiations in Manila, the Taiwanese government said it will pursue the bilateral fishing talks, to reach an agreement which will include defining areas in which fishermen can operate, and establish fishing guidelines to maintain order.
While the future pact is hailed as a major strategic and mutual gain by both governments, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) remain vehement and warned that the proposed agreement would grant Taiwanese fishing vessels an unfair advantage.
“The fishery pact which the Philippine government wants to clinch with Taiwan will put us in an extremely disadvantageous position. It is like serving the country’s marine wealth on a silver platter to Taiwanese fishing giants,” said Pamalakaya Vice Chairman Salvador France in a statement.
France added that the proposed fishery pact will expand the coverage of the existing Philippine-Taiwan Sea Lane Accord. The fishing rights group said that this will undermine the interest of millions of Filipino fishermen, whose livelihood depend mainly on Philippine waters.
“Taiwan wants unlimited fishing access in the Philippines and that is the real score and the Manila government seems like ready to give in to the request,” group added.
Pamalakaya also said that the Philippines only has a few fishing boats capable of sailing into the Taiwan Strait, while Taiwan’s more advanced fishing vessels can navigate through Philippine waters, to fish for high-value catches.
Aquino said that the government is still conducting an inventory of its laws related to fisheries and patrimony, in preparation for talks with Taiwan.
“Once we’re ready with all of that, then we can sit down and discuss with them. There’s no harm in talking,” Aquino said.
It is commendable that the two governments reached cordiality in their bilateral ties. Striking this deal means a partnership, the Philippine government should take note that this should mean equal amount of gains and risks and liabilities on both parties, as partners would in a business venture.
It seems that to avoid exacerbating the already frayed ties with Taiwan, the Philippine government giddily reached a compromise with its counterpart, not knowing that the 1.7 million Filipino fishermen will have to pay the price.
(AJPress)
