MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has once again stated that he has no knowledge of alleged internal agreements with China on the Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement over the weekend, the Defense secretary disputed the claims of Chinese officials on two new deals with the Philippines last year to lessen tensions on the disputed territory.
“The DND is not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. took office (in 2022),” Teodoro said.
“This is all part of Chinese propaganda to steer the Filipino people’s attention away from the real issue and cause of the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, which is China’s obstinate refusal to adhere to UNCLOS, which they are a signatory to,” he added.
Teodoro further said that his office has not had any contact with any Chinese government officials regarding the Ayungin Shoal since last year.
“We will never enter into any agreement that will compromise our sovereignty and sovereign rights under the UNCLOS, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,” Teodoro said.
The National Security Council echoed Teodoro’s statement, saying that China’s claims of a “new model” were propaganda that attempted to frame the Philippines as the source of tension after it “reneged on its promises.”
“As [President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.] has clearly stated, there is no agreement whatsoever about Ayungin Shoal and that we shall continue to do all activities within the bounds of international law and we shall brook no interference in our lawful actions,” said NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya.
Malaya added that any understanding without the President’s authorization would have no effect and that the country would never agree to an understanding that would recognize the Ayungin Shoal as China’s territory.
China had earlier said that a “common understanding” had been reached between them and both the previous Duterte administration and the current Marcos administration./PN
