Marcos Jr. horrified by supposed Duterte-China deal on BRP Sierra Madre

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed horror over a supposed gentleman's agreement between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government concerning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Marcos Jr. questioned Duterte about the "secret agreement" he made with China, asking what was compromised and why it was kept secret.

He stated that the agreement implies the Philippines needs permission from another country to operate within its own territory, which he finds difficult to accept.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila acknowledged the existence of the "gentleman's agreement," stating it "effectively helped maintain the overall peace and stability" in the Ayungin Shoal.

President Marcos Jr. previously stated that he needed to clarify the details of the deal with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and former officials under ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Former presidential spokesman Harry L. Roque mentioned that the Philippines had agreed with China to keep the status quo at Second Thomas Shoal, meaning only basic supplies, not building materials, would be delivered to the grounded ship BRP Sierra Madre.