Lawmaker: Duterte WPS deal constitutionally void

Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II stated that the supposed "gentleman's agreement" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is constitutionally void.

Gonzales believes the agreement is equivalent to surrendering sovereign rights and would constitute a new national policy that requires a treaty ratified by the Senate.

He emphasized that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a fact supported by the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim.

The agreement allegedly involved preventing building materials from being included in resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre to maintain the status quo at Ayungin Shoal.

However, both the Philippine government and Mr. Duterte himself have denied that such a pact existed, with Duterte stating "As is, where is" and that no agreement was made to prevent improvements to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Gonzales further argued that even if such an agreement existed, it would not be legally binding in the Philippines as it lacks the form of an Executive Agreement or a treaty.

The House of Representatives is considering an inquiry into the alleged agreement between Duterte and China concerning the WPS.