MANILA — In a firm stance, the Philippine government, represented by its National Security Council (NSC), rebuffed China’s claim of a purported “new model” aimed at de-escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, citing an agreement with the previous administration.
Security Adviser Eduardo Año and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Jonathan Malaya stood resolute, asserting that any agreement allegedly forged between China and the Philippines during the previous administration, under then President Rodrigo Duterte, had been annulled and held no sway under the current leadership of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The President has been unequivocal: This administration disclaims any knowledge of a clandestine or informal agreement, and if such a pact was made during a preceding administration, it has since been nullified,” Año asserted in a statement.
Año emphasized that if indeed there was any agreement, “those responsible for it” should elucidate its details to the Filipino populace.
However, he emphasized that the present administration cannot be held beholden to it.
(el Amigo/MNM)
