Ex-ES Medialdea testifies on alleged 2013 secret deal with China

Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea testified before Congress on Tuesday, revealing an alleged commitment made in 2013 by then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to deliver only food and water to troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal during the Aquino administration.

Medialdea stated that this agreement was reportedly made with the Chinese ambassador during former President Benigno Aquino III's term, and it continued to be respected by the Duterte administration despite being aware of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling favoring the Philippines.

The revelation has sparked scrutiny from lawmakers questioning why the Duterte administration maintained the status quo despite the ruling granting sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal. Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau denied having knowledge of this commitment.

Medialdea further revealed that the supposed secret deal included China's promise not to harass Manila's resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in exchange for maintaining a status quo, even after the ruling was issued.