Lawmakers back international check on Scarborough Shoal

National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya

(UPDATE) Several members of the House of Representatives have expressed support for an independent examination that would determine the degree of environmental destruction suffered by Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya has urged China to allow international scrutiny of the area.

Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said that after entering into a tripartite strategic agreement with the United States and Japan, the next step for the Philippines would be to let an independent group examine how China conducted itself in the disputed waters.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said environmental protection and environmental justice should be a collective concern among the nations of the world.

"So we just hope our counterpart, the Chinese, would finally realize that they don't own the world," Adiong said.

Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman said that the Philippines should ask its allies for help in pursuing what is right and just.

Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario said that an independent check on the disputed territory would be the "wisest way moving forward," though he does not expect China to allow it.

1-Rider Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said that it was crucial for the Philippine government to know the state of its coral reefs and other natural resources.