Ex-Exec Sec claims Noynoy admin made deal with China on Ayungin

Former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea claims that a "gentleman's agreement" with China regarding Ayungin Shoal was made during the Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III presidency.

He alleged that then-defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin made the commitment to then-Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing in 2013, wherein the Philippines would not transport construction materials to Ayungin Shoal in exchange for China not interfering with resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Medialdea revealed this to House committees investigating claims of prior agreements between the Philippines and China.

He denied any such agreement was made during the Duterte presidency, stating President Duterte was aware of the risks in making such deals concerning sovereign rights.

The article questions Medialdea's claim, noting the Philippines under Aquino had successfully invalidated China's maritime claims through the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, a ruling the Duterte administration later dismissed.

The author suggests Medialdea's allegation is a defense of former president Duterte and has further complicated the issue.