By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva announced on Tuesday (April 15, 2024) that the Senate will address the gentleman’s agreement between former president Rodrigo Duterte and China concerning the Ayungin Shoal.
“We will discuss it. Senator Risa [Hontiveros] has raised a valid concern, but other senators also have their issues. My appeal is to thoroughly examine this matter. If an executive session is necessary, I am open to it,” Villanueva stated during the Kapihan sa Senado.
The senator views such agreements as “mere propaganda” orchestrated by the Chinese government.
Senator Risa Hontiveros previously filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the gentleman’s agreement that Duterte entered into with China regarding the West Philippine Sea.
“Duterte should cease claiming that the West Philippine Sea situation was better during his tenure,” Hontiveros remarked earlier.
“It was during his administration that China imposed a detrimental fishing ban on Filipino fisherfolk. It was also during his tenure that Chinese Navy vessels armed with missiles pursued and intimidated Filipino journalists. His presidency portrayed the Philippines as a Chinese puppet in the eyes of the international community.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
