Robredo hits Duterte’s ‘pro-China’ stance on West Philippine Sea
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday scored President Rodrigo Duterte’s seemingly “pro-China” stance on the issue over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where Beijing’s incursions have continued.
In her weekly radio show, Robredo said Duterte’s defeatist stance on the maritime dispute — which he insists could only escalate into war if he asserted control — was akin to him “throwing … our sovereignty out the window.”
She also called out as false Duterte’s claim that China “was in possession” of the disputed waters, where several Chinese militia ships remain anchored despite several diplomatic protests from Manila.
“Those statements are seriously wrong, ” she said.
She warned the president to take the matter seriously “because after next year, we would be out of office — but the WPS issue would continue after us. It would remain important for the country.”
