NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
House Of Representatives To Investigate Alleged 'Gentleman's Agreement' In West Philippine Sea
Photo credit: Congress PH
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that the House of Representatives is set to proceed with its inquiry into the purported "gentleman's agreement" concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing concerns regarding its potential impact on the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During the resumption of session, Romualdez affirmed, "In the exercise of our oversight powers, we will direct the appropriate House Committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, to determine the adverse impact of such agreement on our national interests, particularly our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity."
Romualdez voiced opposition to the clandestine pact between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the WPS.
Romualdez reiterated President Marcos’ apprehension, stating, "Like [President Marcos Jr.], we are ‘horrified’ by the idea of compromising the country’s rights over [WPS]."
The controversy arose following Duterte's admission of an agreement with Xi Jinping to maintain the "status quo" in the WPS, which involved refraining from transporting construction materials for the BRP Sierra Madre's repair and maintenance, a Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal.
Highlighting legal foundations, Romualdez referenced the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming Ayungin Shoal as part of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He also cited Article 56 of UNCLOS, asserting the Philippines' right to construct and maintain structures within its EEZ.
Romualdez condemned the alleged agreement as a potential compromise of the nation's territorial integrity and sovereign rights, cautioning against disguised concessions detrimental to Philippine interests.
Emphasizing adherence to constitutional principles and international law, Romualdez concluded, "We believe that, in the end, upholding our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our Constitution and with international law is what matters the most."
During the resumption of session, Romualdez affirmed, "In the exercise of our oversight powers, we will direct the appropriate House Committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, to determine the adverse impact of such agreement on our national interests, particularly our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity."
Romualdez voiced opposition to the clandestine pact between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the WPS.
Romualdez reiterated President Marcos’ apprehension, stating, "Like [President Marcos Jr.], we are ‘horrified’ by the idea of compromising the country’s rights over [WPS]."
The controversy arose following Duterte's admission of an agreement with Xi Jinping to maintain the "status quo" in the WPS, which involved refraining from transporting construction materials for the BRP Sierra Madre's repair and maintenance, a Philippine outpost in Ayungin Shoal.
Highlighting legal foundations, Romualdez referenced the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming Ayungin Shoal as part of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He also cited Article 56 of UNCLOS, asserting the Philippines' right to construct and maintain structures within its EEZ.
Romualdez condemned the alleged agreement as a potential compromise of the nation's territorial integrity and sovereign rights, cautioning against disguised concessions detrimental to Philippine interests.
Emphasizing adherence to constitutional principles and international law, Romualdez concluded, "We believe that, in the end, upholding our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our Constitution and with international law is what matters the most."
Apr 30, 2024
