MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said only President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. can authorize any agreements entered into by the Philippine government on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, the DFA also said no Cabinet-level official from the Marcos administration has agreed to any “new model” on handling Ayungin Shoal, as claimed by China.
“The DFA wishes to emphasize that only the President of the Republic of the Philippines can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippine government on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea,” the DFA said.
“As far as the Philippine government is concerned, no such document, record or deal exists, as purported by the Chinese Embassy,” the statement added.
The Chinese Embassy said over the weekend that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made a deal with China earlier this year on the “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, it said that the “gentleman’s agreement” was the product of China’s commitment to properly manage maritime differences “through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines.”
“During the discussion, the AFP WESCOM has made repeated confirmation that the ‘new model’ has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser,” the embassy said.
The DFA previously stated that it was not aware of any new model arrangement as it urged China to “desist from disseminating such disinformation or insinuations against Philippine officials.”
“A ‘new model’ for management of the Ren’ai Jiao situation was also agreed upon by both sides early this year after rounds of serious communications with the Philippine military,” it added.
The DFA, National Security Council and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro have already denied any knowledge of an alleged agreement./PN
