House to probe alleged Duterte-China WPS deal

Members of the House of Representatives are pushing for an inquiry into an alleged "gentleman's agreement" between former president Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The alleged deal reportedly involved maintaining the status quo over contested waters and denying resupply of building materials to the BRP Sierra Madre, a ship grounded at the Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manila's claim.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose M. Dalipe assured that the House will act on the request for an inquiry once Congress resumes regular sessions on April 29.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro wants former President Duterte to face the House as the primary resource person and for Congress to hear a resolution filed last year to discuss the "unpatriotic deal".

Despite the Philippine government and Mr. Duterte himself denying any such agreement, the former president recalled shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping to not bring construction materials to the BRP Sierra Madre, though he stated there was "no agreement" and that "we have not conceded anything to China."