All those aspiring to be the next president must include – if not prioritize – the nation’s claim to West Philippine Sea territories in their respective platforms of government, a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said here recently. It is also a big issue for fisherfolks in provinces in the western coast of the country – like Pangasinan, Zambales, and Palawan – whose livelihood has been adversely affected by the presence of Chinese security forces in their natural fishing grounds. While it is hoped that the decision of the Tribunal on the issue of jurisdiction comes out by the end of the year, the DFA expects it to come out by next year, Jose said.

Luces, N. N. (2015, October 14). DFA to presidential aspirants: prioritize West PH Sea territorial claims. Manila Bulletin, p. 18.