THERE is nothing wrong with the Philippines and China entering into a new agreement regarding the Ayungin Shoal.
This was what former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo stressed on his program on SMNI Tuesday morning, should there be a ‘new model’ agreement between the two countries.
“There is nothing wrong with agreeing on a new model in order to maintain peace. What’s important there is for us to have peace and order in that area. That is what’s most important,” said Atty. Salvador ‘Sal’ Panelo, Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
The alleged ‘new model’ agreement was made between Chinese officials and Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, in which they allegedly agreed on the issue of resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.
Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro already denied claims that there is a ‘new model’ agreement in the contested territory.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also said it was not aware of such an agreement following the issuance of a warning regarding the distribution of a two-minute audio recording allegedly containing a conversation between Chinese officials and Vice Admiral Carlos.
According to the DFA, it will investigate the alleged illegal activities of foreign diplomats here in the Philippines.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs will look into any reports of illegal and unlawful activities by diplomatic officials, and undertake necessary action in line with existing laws and regulations,” Department of Foreign Affairs stated.
This was the statement of the DFA after Sec. Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año called for the said agency to take appropriate actions against individuals from the Chinese Embassy in Manila for potentially violating the Anti-Wiretapping Act and breaching diplomatic protocols and conventions.
Under the Republic Act 4200 or better known as the Anti-Wiretapping Act, the unauthorized recording of private conversations is prohibited.
But if the said evidence is true, Atty. Panelo highlighted that a military official of the Philippines could possibly be taking measures without the knowledge of more senior officials, including the president.
