NEW DELHI: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing intense scrutiny and calls for legal action over a controversial “gentleman’s agreement” with Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning the South China Sea. Critics, including ex-Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and Senator Risa Hontiveros, are accusing Duterte of committing treason by potentially forfeiting the Philippines’ territorial rights in the region.
In a recent press briefing, Duterte denied relinquishing any territorial claims but acknowledged an agreement with Xi to maintain the status quo by not building new facilities in the disputed waters.The pact reportedly prevented the Philippines from sending construction materials to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre, a warship stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal, essential for Philippine sovereignty, a South China Morning Post report said.
Carpio criticized the agreement, highlighting the risk of the warship sinking due to its deteriorated condition and lack of repairs. Duterte responded to the criticism by suggesting Carpio should not interfere in matters he wasn’t part of.
Political analyst Sherwin Ona and Senator Hontiveros have voiced concerns over the lack of transparency and the agreement’s potential violation of the national interest. Ona pointed out the questionable nature of the deal, which lacks any written, video, or audio evidence, while Hontiveros filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the matter, describing the agreement as “treasonous.”
The controversy has also drawn attention from Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the current President of the Philippines, who expressed concerns that Duterte might have concealed aspects of the deal. Marcos emphasized the need for Duterte to clarify what was agreed upon and the rationale behind it.
Ramon Beleno III from Ateneo De Davao University defended Duterte, arguing that the agreement aimed to ease bilateral tensions. However, he acknowledged that Duterte’s inaction following the normalization of the situation posed significant issues, particularly as China now appears to use the agreement to justify increased aggression in the South China Sea.
Chinese authorities have recently demanded the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal, a demand that reiterates the ongoing tension and complexity of the dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea.
In a recent press briefing, Duterte denied relinquishing any territorial claims but acknowledged an agreement with Xi to maintain the status quo by not building new facilities in the disputed waters.The pact reportedly prevented the Philippines from sending construction materials to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre, a warship stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal, essential for Philippine sovereignty, a South China Morning Post report said.
Carpio criticized the agreement, highlighting the risk of the warship sinking due to its deteriorated condition and lack of repairs. Duterte responded to the criticism by suggesting Carpio should not interfere in matters he wasn’t part of.
Political analyst Sherwin Ona and Senator Hontiveros have voiced concerns over the lack of transparency and the agreement’s potential violation of the national interest. Ona pointed out the questionable nature of the deal, which lacks any written, video, or audio evidence, while Hontiveros filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the matter, describing the agreement as “treasonous.”
The controversy has also drawn attention from Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the current President of the Philippines, who expressed concerns that Duterte might have concealed aspects of the deal. Marcos emphasized the need for Duterte to clarify what was agreed upon and the rationale behind it.
Ramon Beleno III from Ateneo De Davao University defended Duterte, arguing that the agreement aimed to ease bilateral tensions. However, he acknowledged that Duterte’s inaction following the normalization of the situation posed significant issues, particularly as China now appears to use the agreement to justify increased aggression in the South China Sea.
Chinese authorities have recently demanded the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal, a demand that reiterates the ongoing tension and complexity of the dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea.