Manila Bulletin
'Gentleman's agreement' used as smoke screen to deflect illegal activities by China in West Philippine Sea, says defense chief
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned against China's alleged attempts to shift the discussion about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) towards a supposed "gentlemen's agreement" allegedly made with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Teodoro cautioned Filipinos not to be swayed by Chinese propaganda that focuses on this purported agreement while downplaying China's ongoing illegal activities within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The defense secretary's statement comes amidst public discussion surrounding claims by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque about a "gentleman's agreement" between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Duterte concerning the WPS.
While acknowledging the importance of accountability regarding the alleged agreement involving the BRP Sierra Madre and Ayungin Shoal, Teodoro stressed that the primary threat to Philippine rights in the WPS remains the Chinese government's illegal actions.
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Former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque revealed that former President Rodrigo Duterte had a verbal 'gentleman's agreement' with China to maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea.
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Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denied any agreement between the Duterte administration and China concerning the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
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Senator Imee Marcos stated that there is nothing wrong with former President Rodrigo Duterte's alleged "gentleman's agreement" with China regarding the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea.
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Vice President Sara Duterte has officially broken her silence regarding the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) due to China's continued harassment of Filipino vessels, stating "no comment" when asked for her reaction.
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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.
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