China’s land reclamation in four of the Philippine-claimed atolls and reefs in the West Philippine Sea area of the South China Sea, estimated to have reached more than 60 hectares, may have already changed the physical features of these disputed areas, which one lawmaker warned could indicate that the Philippines was starting to lose its territory to its bigger and more aggressive neighbor.

Magdalo Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo said Chinese reclamation and construction in the South China Sea region might have already changed the status quo in the disputed regional waters.

“Definitely, upon the completion of these reclamation activities by China, they would have been physically altered from reefs and shoals to habitable islands. As islands, furthermore, they are now able to host structures for military and other personnel as well as support naval and aircraft operations therein,” said Acedillo, a former military pilot.