Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday dismissed Chinese calls for a common fishing ground within Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea as part of efforts to ease tensions between the two nations. "Hindi tayo pinanganak kahapon (we were not born yesterday)," Teodoro stated when questioned by reporters about this proposal brought forward by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DND chief emphasized that this right was already acknowledged under the landmark Arbitral Award, which was issued on July 12, 2016. This ruling invalidated China's extensive "Nine-Dash-Line" claim in the South China Sea. Teodoro questioned why a proposal would be submitted when the ruling already recognized the area as a common fishing ground within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Teodoro further challenged the intent and timing of the proposal, suggesting it was a public relations move in light of China's aggressive actions against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. "So anong gusto niyang mangyari ngayon? Tatanggap ka ng proposal na sasabihin mo dahil sa proposal nila kaya nagka-fishing ground eh nakalagay na yun dyan e common fishing ground with our EEZ (So, what does he want to happen now? That we will accept the proposal that says a fishing ground was established because of their proposal when in fact it is already a common fishing ground with our EEZ. Who are they fooling?)?" he remarked.