Many find it weird why focus was on an uncontested area instead of the West Philippine Sea where Filipinos are increasingly frustrated over the seemingly inadequate response of the Philippines to China’s relentless intrusions into our exclusive economic zone. But the attention drawn last week to the Philippine Rise, formerly called Benham Rise, when President Duterte led the send-off of Filipino scientists to do a six-month research in the area has undoubtedly become a source of pride and great hope that our country would indeed never give up on what is rightfully ours. “Tingin ko napadala naman niya ang mensahe niya sa buong daigdig na tanging Pilipino lamang ang makikinabang sa Philippine Rise (I think he sent the message to the whole world that only Filipinos would benefit from Philippine Rise),” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Lina, J. D. (2018, May 22). Rising to protect Philippine Rise. Manila Bulletin, p. 11.