FORMER Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque has raised questions over the conflicting statements provided by top officials following the tense encounter at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Reports indicate that during a routine rotation and resupply mission on June 17, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre faced alleged harassment from Chinese forces.
Earlier, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin characterized China’s actions as a ‘misunderstanding’ or ‘accident.’
“No, well this was probably a misunderstanding or accident, we are not yet ready to classify this as an armed attack,” according to Lucas Bersamin – Executive Secretary.
However, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro offered a different statement, saying that the incident was not a ‘misunderstanding’ or ‘accident,’ but a deliberate act to obstruct the Philippines from completing its mission.
“We see the latest incident in Ayungin not as a misunderstanding or an accident. It is a deliberate act of the Chinese officialdom to prevent us from completing our mission,” stated Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. – DND.
Meanwhile, Atty. Harry Roque pointed out the contradicting statements on such a critical issue.
“I wonder why there are conflicting messages from two key officials, particularly the Executive Secretary and the Defense Secretary. Did the President’s Cabinet discuss this matter before issuing their statements?” said Atty. Harry Roque – Former Presidential Spokesperson.
Roque also expressed concern over the possible escalation of tensions in the disputed waters, urging President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to clarify his administration’s stance on the issue.
“What is the actual policy? It’s confusing. Filipinos are confused— and possibly the Chinese as well. They don’t know who they will believe in. Do we intend to escalate tensions further or seek to ease them?”
“The problem here is why hasn’t the President spoken about what the real policy is, and what his perspective is on what happened in Ayungin Shoal. After all, the entire Cabinet are just alter egos. There’s still a president who should be speaking and stating the country’s position. So where is the President when these things are happening?” added Roque.
If Atty. Roque were to be asked, he would favor Bersamin’s statement more because he believes there is still a chance to discuss the tension through diplomatic means regarding the West Philippine Sea.
