President Duterte asked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) if it could invite him when they sail to the West Philippine Sea even after his term ends on June 30, citing the need to assert the country's rights amid waning resources.
Duterte said this after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) fired a diplomatic protest against China for its "illegal activities" in the Ayungin Shoal, which is part of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In his speech during the commissioning of PCG's new Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas (BRP) Melchora Aquino, the President hoped that he could still join the PCG even if his is no longer in office.
"It does not have any ramifications because civilian na ako (I'm already a civilian). I could, maybe, ride with you diyan sa West Philippine Sea. It is a gamble," he said on Sunday, June 12.
"At one time in our national life that we have to assert the --- what is ours," he added.
The President hoped that the Coast Guard could grant him his request.
"I do not expect more --- yung kaunting (just that small gesture) --- that you can invite me to ride with you," he said.
According to the President, he had informed Chinese President Xi Jinping that the Philippines would not give up an inch of its territory.
"I made it clear to him we cannot give up sovereignty over the waters Philippine Sea, including the exclusive economic zone, because it's vital for our national life," he said.
Duterte added that asserting the country's rights is more important now because of the country's growing population.
"The population is growing, and we have to keep pace. You know, even in the food security in the coming years, mahirapan tayo (it will be difficult for us)," he said.
"And the longer that this ruckus in Europe between Russia and Ukraine continues, mag-spiral talaga 'yan (it will spiral)," he added.