Otso Diretso to fight for Philippine waters: Sen. Kiko

Secretary Panelo strikes again. Recently, he was quoted as saying that we should thank China for setting up a maritime rescue center in the Philippines' Kagitingan Reef.

He was the same official who early this month said it was alright for the Chinese to fish in Spratly. He also called the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that validated the Philippines' claims on the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea as "useless as there is no country or body on earth that can enforce" it against China.

One would wonder sometimes which country he was speaking for. His every tone clearly manifests the language of a Chinese puppet.

Good thing that we have the Otso Diretso senatorial candidates, who have taken and will continue to take the side of the Filipino people, especially those directly affected by the encroachment of the Chinese into our waters, keeping Filipino fishermen from their source of livelihood.

Our Otso Diretso candidates -- Gary Alejano, Bam Aquino, Chel Diokno, Samira Gutoc, Pilo Hilbay, Romy Macalintal, Mar Roxas, and Erin Tañada -- know that the question of sovereignty (who benefits from the Philippines' rich natural resources) translates into bountiful marine harvests and cheaper electricity and fuel costs from natural energy, resulting in better incomes and more jobs for our people. In short, a better future for all Filipino children.