Del Rosario criticizes Duterte for calling arbitral ruling 'scrap of paper'

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for calling the 2016 arbitral ruling against China a 'scrap of paper', saying it is a national tragedy and that Duterte should enforce the decision.

Del Rosario emphasized that the ruling was valid and binding, and accused Duterte of siding with China on the West Philippine Sea issue.

In response, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque defended Duterte, reminding del Rosario of his role in withdrawing Filipino forces during the Scarborough Shoal standoff.