Duterte denies West PH Sea promise

President Rodrigo Duterte denied ever promising to retake the West Philippine Sea islands during his 2016 campaign.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that Duterte's promise to plant a Philippine flag on disputed islands did not mean he would literally take back those territories from China.

Duterte made this denial during a public address on Monday, May 3, where he also expressed frustration over criticisms of his China policy.