FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said that the country could only talk with China on the maritime issue to achieve a common ground.
FPRRD clarified that he is not defending China on the issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
In his program “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” with Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, Duterte stated that the issue is a matter of the country’s territory, and the government can only engage in discussions, not engage in conflicts.
His words came following a heated exchange of words between Chinese Air Force Colonel Sao Bo and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela.
According to Sao Bo, Tarriela depicted China as a demon in the region while portraying the Philippines as an angel.
Tarriela responded to this on X, saying that China does not respect the rules-based order and instead seeks to change the current system through intimidation.
Duterte, on the other hand, said that Filipino fishermen can peacefully navigate the area, so there is no need to exacerbate the situation.
“In short, we can only resort to discussions, and we cannot go beyond that; if we turn to armed conflict, we have nothing. We’re limited to using words, so I’m not making excuses or trying to justify or defend China.”
“You know, it’s a matter of where you look at it from because what was discussed is the boundary.”
“Our lands, you know, even with the accuracy of the geodetic engineers’ telescopes, there would still be trouble. So, this [problem] it’s a question of territory.”
“Let’s just leave it for now because, after all, there are no ships, no enterprising ventures there, only questionable question marks. Leave it that way; it has always been that way. Do not worsen the problem,” according to Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The former President also added that China is not sending warships, so it is only proper to let everything pass.
“Here in our territory, let’s just leave it be because nothing is happening there. China doesn’t have any ships there, not even warships. Let’s just leave it. Sometimes we worry, and whether our patrols encounter them, but up to now, I haven’t seen any. I have not seen it, maybe before, but I do not remember a grayship. A grayship is a warship,” he said.
Duterte also stated that if there are issues like this, it should be the diplomats, such as those in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who should release official statements regarding the matter.
