MANILA – Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, former commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command, has denied any “gentleman’s agreement” with China regarding Ayungin Shoal.
Speaking during the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Carlos denied any discussion with China about a supposed “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal.
“We did not discuss the new model. We did not discuss the term. ‘Common understanding,’ ‘new model’ were not part of our conversation,” Carlos said on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, the Chinese Embassy stated that the AFP WESCOM allegedly made a “gentleman’s agreement” with China for the management of the situation at Ayungin Shoal after multiple rounds of discussions.
The Chinese Embassy added that 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 Chinese Embassy added that the communication and negotiation on this subject matter is kept on audio record in every detail by the Chinese side.
Carlos also said during the hearing that he did not give China consent to being recorded during the said meeting, which could be a violation of anti-wiretapping law.
“I have not given my consent to record to anybody, and I have not been asked for permission,” Carlos said.
The Republic Act No. 4200 prohibits the recording of any private conversation without the consent of all parties.
Carlos was removed as chief of WESCOM after the Chinese Embassy made the claim. He was replaced by Real Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr./PN
