Claim: A TikTok video promoted by Duterte supporters alleges that the Noynoy Aquino administration militarized the West Philippine Sea, resulting in the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff.

The video also claims that Aquino was deceived by the US, leading to the withdrawal of Philippine navy ships.

Verdict: False. The Aquino administration did not militarize the West Philippine Sea. China’s aggressive actions and subsequent control over Scarborough Shoal were the primary causes of the standoff.

Context and Analysis:

In a TikTok video, Vic Rodriguez, former executive secretary under the Marcos Jr. administration and ally of Duterte supporters, made several claims regarding the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff.

The video alleged that parts of the West Philippine Sea were traditional fishing grounds and that President Aquino militarized the area, leading to the standoff and withdrawal of Philippine navy ships based on US advice. Let’s fact-check these claims.

Here’s his exact statement: “Panahon pa ni Mahoma, nangingisda na ang mga bansang yang diyan. So ‘wag nating i-militarize.So ‘wag nating pasukan, ‘wag nating I-militarize. Militarize ni Noynoy Aquino. Nagkaroon ng stand-off. Nauto-uto ng mga Amerikano si dating pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Tinatago nila ito dahil bulilyaso eh. Ang payo sa kanila ng White House, sabayang pag-atras ng mga gray ship. Nung navy ship. Na ang katotohanan, ay hindi pa in a-aprobahan ng Beijing, ng China. So uto-uto ang sting gobyerno na Napa-uto naman. Inatras ang ating navy ship. Hindi na umalis ang China.”

Militarization Claims:

False Assertion of Militarization: Contrary to the claims, the Aquino administration did not militarize the West Philippine Sea. Tensions at Scarborough Shoal began on April 8, 2012, when the Philippine Navy attempted to apprehend eight Chinese fishing vessels.

This action was within the Philippines’ rights under international law, not an act of militarization.

China’s Aggressive Actions Prior to 2012: Evidence shows that China had been assertive and engaged in aggressive actions in the South China Sea well before the standoff:

• June 9, 2011: China warned Asian neighbors to stop searching for oil near the disputed Spratly Islands and asserted its sovereignty over the South China Sea despite rival claims. Filipino officials accused Chinese forces of intruding into Manila-claimed areas and firing shots.
• June 3, 2011: The Philippines threatened to file a protest against China after its ships intruded into the Spratly Islands close to the Philippine coast, fortifying its claims in the region.
• May 2009: China officially submitted a map of its claims, including the nine-dash line, covering a large part of the South China Sea. China protested any actions by the Philippines and Vietnam that challenged its claims.
• March 7, 2011: China warned against any oil exploration in waters it claimed in the South China Sea, reinforcing its assertive stance.
• June 12, 2011: Vietnam accused Chinese boats of disrupting oil and gas exploration, echoing similar disputes with the Philippines.

US Involvement and Ship Withdrawal:

US Advice and Ship Withdrawal: The claim that President Aquino was “hoodwinked” by the US into withdrawing Philippine navy ships lacks conclusive evidence.

The decision to withdraw was influenced by a diplomatic agreement to de-escalate tensions, where both China and the Philippines agreed to withdraw their ships due to adverse weather conditions. However, China did not withdraw.

Just a few days ago, China ship was surveying off the Scarborough Shoal.

Diplomatic and Strategic Decisions: During the standoff, the Philippines initially sent the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a navy vessel, which was later replaced by a smaller Philippine Coast Guard vessel to de-escalate the situation. The substitution followed the naval protocol of “white to white, gray to gray”.

Irony in Claims:

• Duterte Supporters’ Contradictions: Duterte supporters also blame former Senator Antonio Trillanes, who was tasked with back-channel negotiations with China, for allegedly “selling out” Scarborough Shoal. This contradiction highlights the lack of consistent narrative among critics of the Aquino administration.

International Arbitration:

• Permanent Court of Arbitration Ruling: In 2016, the PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s claims in the South China Sea. The ruling confirmed that Scarborough Shoal has been a traditional fishing ground for multiple nations, including the Philippines, and that China unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from accessing the Shoal.

The TikTok video’s claims are misleading and unsupported by historical evidence. The Aquino administration’s actions were in response to China’s aggressive tactics, and the subsequent pursuit of international arbitration was a strategic decision to uphold the Philippines’ rights under international law.