Duterte: PH owes China gratitude but won't cede WPS rights

President Duterte on Wednesday stated that the Philippines owes China a debt of gratitude due to vaccine donations and emphasized no desire for war.

Despite this, Duterte assured that territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea will not be compromised.

Senators like Risa Hontiveros argued that these vaccines should not undermine the country's sovereignty over its maritime territory.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified on Thursday that while there is a debt of gratitude for vaccine donations, it does not imply surrendering authority in the WPS.