The Department of Defense (DND) on Friday denied speculations that it downplayed the effect of China's new coast guard law on Filipino fishermen. In a statement, Lorenzana took exemption to the statement of Sen. Risa Hontiveros castigating him for the alleged downplaying. “With all due respect to the lady Senator, I did not downplay China’s new coast guard law. On the contrary, I even encouraged our fishermen to continue fishing within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) in their traditional fishing grounds,” Lorenzana said.

Roson, J. (2021, February 13). DND denies downplaying China's new coast guard law. Daily Tribune, p. B16.