Manong Tacio is a fisherman. He finished elementary education and he can read simple written english. One day, while fishing at an area several kilometers from Zambales, Philippines, a big Chinese vessel approached his small boat. The Captain of the Chinese vessel asked Manong Tacio to leave the area. When Manong Tacio explained that he was fishing within the territory of the Philippines, he was blasted with water by the Chinese vessel. Manong Tacio was forced to leave.

Manong Tacio approached you for legal consultation and asked you the following: Do I have a right to fish in the West Philippine Sea? What legal remedies are available to me against the Chinese Captain and his team?

A. Prepare a Legal Opinion for Manong Tacio