Malacañang is standing by its decision not to recognize the names China has given to five of the underwater features in the Philippine Rise.
It will proceed in giving them Filipino names.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has expressed hope that China will not hold it against the Philippines if the country will not recognize the Chinese names.
“Hindi po natin kikilalanin ang mga pangalan na binigay ng Tsino diyan,” Roque said.
China has named the five underwater features Jinghao, Tianbao, Haidonquing, and Jujiu Seamounts and the Cuiqiao Hill.
The Cuiqiao Hill and Jujiu Seamount form the central peaks of the Philippine Rise undersea geological province.
Malacañang has also said there is no reason for the public to be alarmed by China’s move since the Asian giant recognizes that it is the Philippines which has sovereign rights over the 13-million hectare underwater plateau. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
