PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said there is no issue over Vice President Sara Duterte’s silence on the alleged China’s aggression over the South China Sea issue.
The Chief Executive made the statement during a media interview in Washington D.C. AMID the criticism being thrown at Duterte for her silence on the said territorial issue.
Marcos guaranteed the Filipino people that he and VP Sara are on the same page in dealing with China issue and its agenda.
He mentioned that Vice President Duterte is part of the government, but emphasized that, it’s not her role or position as Education Secretary to talk about China.
President Marcos also dismissed speculations that the trilateral agreement of the Philippines with the United States and Japan will have an effect on China’s economic influence in the Philippines.
According to him, the trilateral agreement is separate from any proposed or potential Chinese investments in the Philippines.
The Chief Executive said China will continue whatever investments it chooses to make in the Philippines.
PBBM’s defense on VP Sara also comes amid the recent argument between Marcos and former President Rodrigo Duterte on issues on the West Philippine Sea.
PBBM ready to sit down with FPRRD OVER so-called ‘secret agreement’ with China
Meanwhile, President Marcos said he is ready to sit down with FPRRD to discuss foreign policy and the agreements entered into by the government in relation with the South China Sea.
PBBM said he is baffled by the alleged “secret agreement” reached by his predecessor with China over the Ayungin Shoal.
Marcos urged Duterte to explain the details of the “secret deal” that was forged with beijing during his administration, as he expressed wonder why the former president, being a very experienced lawyer, decided not to document, record, or announce the agreement.
Duterte responds to Marcos Jr. on ‘secret deal’ issue in West Philippine Sea
In a press conference held in Davao City on Thursday night, April 11, Former President Duterte has addressed the alleged secret deal with China regarding the West Philippine Sea issue.
“But let me be very clear on this, we have not conceded anything to China. There might have been an exchange of control over the China Sea, but those were really territorial in nature not involving the encroachment of China in our Exclusive Economic Zone, that’s a different issue,” added FPRRD.
Former Duterte spokesperson, Atty. Harry Roque, previously stated that they had agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain the status quo in the disputed territory, allowing resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal as long as they don’t bring repair materials for the BRP Sierra Madre.
“The only thing I remember was that status quo, that’s the word ‘no movement’, no arm patrols there, as is where is so that there would be no chaos,” he stressed.
