MANILA – Former President Rodrigo Duterte clarified that he did not concede anything to China during his administration, contrary to what was being said by his critics.
In a press conference in Davao City on Thursday night, Duterte said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to have a status quo in which neither the Philippines nor China would make any move that would disrupt the South China Sea.
“The only thing I remember was that status quo. That’s the word… No movement, no armed patrols there. As is, where is, para hindi tayo magkagulo,” Duterte said. “’Yun ang naalala ko. I do not even know the Ayungin Shoal.”
“I assure you that if it was a gentleman’s agreement, it would always have been an agreement that will keep the peace in the South China Sea,” the former President added.
President Duterte explained that part of the said “status quo” with China is the prohibition in bringing in construction materials for the repair of rundown BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal.
“As is, where is nga. You cannot bring in materials to repair and improve. Wala ‘yan,” Duterte said.
Duterte also responded to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s comment that he was “horrified” by the supposed gentleman’s agreement entered into by his predecessor.
“Stop complaining and expounding on it. Do it and repair. ‘Yun ang masasabi ko sa kanila,” Duterte said. “I challenge them dahil sila naman ang nasa gobyerno ngayon. I-repair nila at gumawa ng bahay-bahay if they are really ready for that.”
“I-patrol na nila ‘yung Philippine Navy, gray ships, and let us see what will happen,” the former President added.
The supposed gentleman’s agreement was first revealed by former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque but its existence was denied by Atty. Salvador Panelo, the chief presidential legal counsel during the Duterte administration./PN
