Senator Pushes Bill to Counter Disinformation After China Claims Batanes

Senator Erwin Tulfo of the Philippines responded to claims from Chinese scholars that Batanes province is part of China, while urging swift passage of a bill to educate Filipinos about the West Philippine Sea. Tulfo criticized the timing of these claims, noting they coincided with the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling which supported the Philippines’ sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

He filed Senate Bill 1625, the “West Philippine Sea Education Act”, to integrate lessons on Philippine sovereignty into basic education curricula. The bill would also require training for teachers on the topic.

Tulfo argues that educating citizens about the Philippines’ territory is vital for both patriotism and protecting the nation’s resources. He intends to firmly defend the Philippines’ territory and repel what he considers baseless claims.