Hontiveros seeks probe on alleged Duterte-China deal

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into a supposed "gentleman's agreement" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government.

This alleged agreement reportedly involved restricting repairs to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine ship grounded at Ayungin Shoal to serve as a military outpost.

The resolution was filed following statements by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who claimed Duterte agreed with Beijing that the Philippines would only deliver food and water to troops on the BRP Sierra Madre.

Hontiveros believes this agreement could explain the harassment of Philippine resupply missions by Chinese forces and potentially constitute a surrender of Philippine sovereignty.

She cited former Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Eduardo Santos, who described such an act as "treason" if confirmed true.

The National Security Council stated it was unaware of any such agreement and urged Roque to provide details on how it was brokered, given its national security implications.