MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte should be the one to answer if there was a deal with China to withdraw the BRP Sierra Madre from the West Philippine Sea, said ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo on Thursday.
Tulfo was asked by the media about reports regarding the Duterte administration having an agreement with China. China had claimed that the Philippine government agreed to remove the West Philippine Sea outpost BRP Sierra Madre, but did not specify from which administration.
READ: China claims PH has yet to remove BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal as promised
“Maganda po siguro, the former President will answer that kung meron bang kasunduan. Kasi I believe before, previously, sinasabi nila wala, dineny nila ‘yung sa Ayungin Shoal na ‘yan,” Tulfo said
(It is better if the former President answers if there was an agreement. I believe they denied that issue before with the Ayungin Shoal.)
Duterte ally Sen. Robin Padilla denied that Duterte made any deal with China, but the former President has yet to speak on the issue himself.
READ: No Duterte – China deal on removal of BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal — Sen. Padilla
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that he was not aware of any such agreement with China, but said that should it exist, he rescinded it.