MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva downplayed the so-called “gentleman’s agreement” entered into by former President Rodrigo Duterte with China, calling it a mere propaganda by the Asian giant.
READ: China insists ‘gentleman’s agreement’ under Duterte administration
“I really believe so — that this is just a plain, simple propaganda of the Chinese government. Look at the ambassador, ‘di ba? Kung anu-ano na naman ang sinasabi nya. May one, two, three na naman siya,” said Villanueva in a Kapihan sa Senado briefing on Tuesday.
(I really believe so — that this is just a plain, simple propaganda of the Chinese government. Look at the ambassador. He’s just saying anything. He has another one, two, three.)
According to Villanueva, he is certain that the propaganda is just another part of China’s “plan.”
“This is part of their strategy. So let’s not fall into their traps,” said Villanueva.
READ: DFA to China: Remove illegal structures, cease reclamations
Former presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier claimed Duterte’s “agreement” with China called for the Philippines to refrain from bringing construction and repair materials to the BRP Sierra Madre grounded on Ayungin Shoal.
Duterte later admitted having agreed with China to “maintain the status quo” in the West Philippine Sea, but he insisted that the country did not “concede” anything during his tenure.
Apart from the supposed gentleman’s agreement, the Chinese embassy now claims that after the rounds of “negotiations in early 2024,” the governments of China and the Philippines agreed to follow “a new model” on the management of the Ayungin Shoal dispute.
“Last September, the Chinese side invited the Special Envoy of the President to China for Special Concerns to discuss how to properly manage the situation at Ren’ai Jiao,” the embassy recalled in a statement issued on April 12.
“Earlier this year, the Chinese side and the Philippine side agreed on a ‘new model’ on the management of Ren’ai Jiao situation after rounds of negotiations,” it said.
The embassy did not detail what “new model” on Ayungin Shoal row was agreed upon.
It likewise gave no categorical answer when it was asked which specific Philippine government agency made the “agreement” with China.
INQUIRER.net sought clarification from the Department of Foreign Affairs on China’s allegations, but as of this writing, it has yet to provide an answer.
Stand as one
Amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Villanueva aired a single appeal to all Filipinos: Be united.
“You know, when we see each other united in this particular issue — walang opposition, walang majority – walang iba’t-ibang kulay kundi kayumanggi lahat – ‘don’t we feel good about it?,” asked Villanueva.
(You know, when we see each other united in this particular issue — no opposition, no majority, no different colors, just all of us brown — don’t we feel good about it?)