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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Arroyo: 'I never promised China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin'

Arroyo: 'I never promised China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin'

Published Aug 19, 2023 10:51 am

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has denied ever making a promise to Beijing to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, as well as any connection to the alleged promise from the Philippine government. 

IMG-d18630b143987589e14385b9f664d266-V.jpgHouse Deputy Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PPAB)

 

 

 

 

 

House Deputy Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has denied ever making a promise to Beijing to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, as well as any connection to the alleged promise from the Philippine government. 

Arroyo, who served as Philippine president from 2001 to 2010, apparently felt compelled to respond to the issue Saturday, Aug. 19, saying, "I have been asked to comment on claims that the Philippine government had promised China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal." 

"I will categorically state three facts. First, I never made such a promise to China or any other country," said Arroyo, who represents Pampanga's 2nd district in Philippine Congress.  

"Second, I never authorized any of my government officials to make such a promise. Third, I only became aware of such claims recently, when the matter surfaced in public discussions," she added. 

"Beyond this, I will not make any further comment, in order to allow our foreign affairs officials to deal with it with a minimum of distraction," Arroyo said. 

Arroyo, who is also a former House Speaker, is known to have good relations with her contemporary Chinese officials. 

In 1999, the Philippine government deliberately ran aground BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in Spratly Islands to serve as the country’s outpost in the disputed territory. 

The shoal sits 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, Philippines. Thus, it is located in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. 

Last Aug. 5, two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin were blasted with water cannons by the China Coast Guard. 

The incident has been condemned by the international community.  
 

Related Tags

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo BRP Sierra Madre Ayungin Shoal
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