Ex-WESCOM chief denies secret deal with China

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, former commander of the AFP Western Command (WESCOM), denied forging any secret agreements with China and its officials, calling the stories "completely false."

He stated that as WESCOM commander, he is not authorized to make agreements that would bind the Philippines and China long-term or redefine foreign policy.

Carlos admitted to having a three-to-five-minute phone conversation with a Chinese Military Attache, identified as Senior Col. Li, in early January, emphasizing that he did not give consent for the conversation to be recorded.

He emphasized that his actions were focused on the welfare of WESCOM personnel and that he did not engage in any secret deals compromising the country's interests.

The controversy first surfaced in early May with a transcript of a purported call published by The Manila Times, though Carlos clarified the call he was involved in was much shorter.

Carlos was on "personal leave" until he addressed the issue at a Senate hearing on Wednesday, May 22.

At the same hearing, Department of Justice (DOJ) Senior State Counsel Atty. Fretti Ganchoon said the Chinese Embassy has violated Philippine laws for leaking the supposed transcript of the conversation.