Filipinos are deeply concerned about the recent ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the South China Sea. The focal point of this issue lies in the perceived implications of the agreement on the Second Thomas Shoal, a crucial maritime landmark in the region.
Antonio Carpio, a former associate justice of the Supreme Court, has asserted that Duterte’s agreement effectively ceded control of the Second Thomas Shoal to China. This has raised apprehensions about the potential breach of the deal, which may have prompted Beijing’s recent assertive actions in the South China Sea.
Carpio has advocated for a legislative inquiry into the matter, stressing that the agreement runs counter to the national interests of the Philippines. He contends that there is a regulatory gap that must be addressed to hold individuals like Duterte accountable for such actions.
A notable concern is the absence of specified repair materials in the agreement, a point that Carpio has criticized as having the potential to lead to the sinking of the BRP Sierra Madre, an aging warship positioned at the shoal as a strategic move by Manila to bolster its claims.
Political analyst Sherwin Ona has also contributed to the discourse, questioning the nature of the agreement due to the lack of documented evidence. Ona has underscored the need for Duterte to elucidate his decision and provide clarity on the national interest that he purportedly supported through the agreement.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has taken a firm stance by filing a resolution for an investigation into Duterte’s deal with China, characterizing the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ as treasonous and a betrayal of the country. She has expressed concerns about the potential Chinese occupation of the Second Thomas Shoal.
The controversy has engendered legal implications, with prominent figures, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Manuel Mogato, calling for Duterte to be prosecuted for treason. The prevailing sentiment is that Duterte’s actions in consenting to the deal may have contravened the Constitution, thereby warranting legal repercussions.
Amid the escalating turmoil, there are disparate perspectives on the matter, with certain individuals defending Duterte’s intentions as an endeavor to de-escalate tensions with China. Nevertheless, criticisms have been directed towards Duterte’s inaction subsequent to the recent developments in the disputed waters.
As the situation unfolds, Beijing has reiterated its demands for the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from the Second Thomas Shoal, emphasizing that any effort to erect permanent facilities will be met with resolute opposition in accordance with Chinese sovereignty.
The repercussions of Duterte’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Xi Jinping persistently resonate across the political landscape in the Philippines, galvanizing debates and legal considerations that underscore the gravity of the situation.
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