ATTORNEY Harry Roque, a former presidential spokesperson and international law expert criticized Sen. Risa Hontiveros regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.
Hontiveros plans to initiate a Senate inquiry into the alleged ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The senator, known for her anti-Duterte stance, considers the supposed agreement between the two leaders as ‘treasonous,’ accusing Duterte of surrendering Philippine sovereignty to China.
“This ‘gentleman’s agreement’ is treasonous. While China, in any case, will most likely attack our resupply missions en route to Ayungin, this sham of an agreement only gave Beijing more ammunition to assert her baseless claims. If this agreement is true, it seems Duterte indeed surrendered Philippine territory,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros [April 3, 2024].
Former spokesperson of Duterte, Atty. Harry Roque, asserts that Hontiveros lacks understanding of the law, particularly in her use of the term ‘treasonous.’
“She’s speaking again! What did Honti-virus say? Treason was committed by the President for ensuring the continuous delivery of water and food to our soldiers! First of all, can she? You’re a lawmaker. It’s not a requirement to be a lawyer to become a lawmaker. But since you accepted the job, you took it and sought the mandate of the people, you should know the law! Treason cannot happen without war,” stated Atty. Harry Roque, International Law Expert.
Roque emphasizes that without war, there can be no treason.
He suggests that Hontiveros should have known this before making such.
“Meaning, treason is a war crime… It can only be committed in times of armed conflict,” Roque added.
“Everyone who reads the revised penal code knows there’s no treason without war. Because treason, in times of war, means you’re siding with the enemy. So, Senator, even if it’s not necessary for a Senator to be a lawyer, let’s at least know the law! Because how can you make laws if you don’t know the existing laws?” he stressed.
Roque clarifies that Duterte previously negotiated with President Xi to continue delivering food and supplies to soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
This is despite China’s stance that the Philippines cannot bring construction materials to the BRP Sierra Madre.
So, every time construction materials are transported, the Chinese Coast Guard douses the Philippine resupply boats with water.
“The reality is, if construction materials weren’t brought within six years during President Duterte’s time, it would have sunk a long time ago. The difference between then and now is that it was discreetly done. Now? It’s being flaunted! Why? Because they want tensions to rise, thinking the Americans will retaliate against us,” Roque added.
Roque believes that America won’t engage in war for the Philippines.
Especially after recent discussions between President Xi and US President Joe Biden.
Philippines not significant enough for America to engage in war with China—Atty. Roque
“Now they’ll go to war just because of a decrepit ship in the Philippines? Oh my! Wake up to reality. We’re not that important in the eyes of Americans. They won’t wage war against the country that’s their number one trading partner, their number one investor, and the one they owe the most to. That’s the truth!” he stated.
