Pres. Duterte Speaks on PH Ships in Disputed Waters w/ China
DUTERTE – Amid the territorial disputes with China, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stressed that he will not withdraw the Philippine ships from the disputed waters.
Both Philippines and China continue to assert ownership in the West Philippine Sea – this is happening despite the ruling released by the arbitral tribunal in 2016. The latter did not honor the decision of the tribunal which favored the claims of PH.
Many Filipinos want President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to assert the claims of PH as China continues to make its presence felt in the disputed waters. A lot of people are concerned over the plight of the Filipino fishermen who relies in the disputed waters.
As for the President, he does not want a war with China. He also asserted the sense of gratitude to the Chinese government over its help most especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the President, when PH has yet to received COVID-19 vaccines, he asked the help of China which did not hesitate to do so. Among the donated vaccines that reached PH was China’s Sinovac.
Pres. Duterte also expressed that he was only joking when he said that he would ride a jetski to Spratly Island and plant the Philippine flag. He stressed that he did not promise anything over the West Philippine Sea.
visit: Why Philippines Has The Strongest Claim Of Spratly Islands
Recently, in a late-night briefing, Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte once again spoke about the disputed waters with China. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, he expressed that the Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea with not be withdrawn.
According to the report, the said Philippine ships are roving around Kalayaan islands and Mischief Reef. The President expressed that he would like to warn China that he has two (2) ships in WPS and he is not ready to withdraw them.
Pres. Duterte further expressed that even if China will kill him, he will not withdraw and it would be where the country’s friendship with China will end.
“Hindi talaga ako aatras. Patayin mo man ako kung patayin mo ako, dito ako. Dito magtatapos ang ating pagkakaibigan,” the Chief Executive said.
A lot of people were undeniably disappointed over the President saying that his previous statement about the jetski to Spratlys was not true. Not only ordinary citizens but most especially prominent personalities in politics reacted to it.
READ ALSO: President Duterte “Jet Ski Promise” Joke, Sen. Lacson Reacts
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