Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang photo)

Ranking congressmen from both the majority and the minority blocs in the House of Representatives are eager to get the inquiry on the "gentleman's agreement" on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) underway, if only to gain much-needed answers. 

Assistant Majority Leader Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and Deputy Minority Leader ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro were referring to the alleged "secret pact" between former president Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government, which, on the surface, seemed to have compromised the country’s sovereignty. 

Khonghun says that at the forefront of the upcoming House inquiry is the question: “Who is lying—Duterte or China—regarding the existence of the contentious agreement?” 

“It's crucial to ascertain the truth if indeed the Duterte administration struck such a deal with China...This isn't just about conflicting narratives; it's about upholding integrity and accountability,” said the "Young Guns" member. 

The alleged agreement, purportedly made during the previous administration, has sparked intense debate, with Duterte vehemently denying its existence, while China continues to assert the contrary. 

"As lawmakers, it is our duty to seek out the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing," Khonghun underscored. 

He said the House investigation is expected to include testimonies from relevant parties, including former government officials and diplomatic representatives. 

For her part, Castro said that its imperative for Congress to hear House Resolution (HR) No.1216 that she and the rest of the Makabayan bloc filed in August 2023. 

"We must know all that there is to this unpatriotic deal, and the ones responsible should be held accountable. Baka naibenta na pala ni Duterte ang West Philippine Sea ay di pa natin alam," the teacher-solon said. 

(Duterte might have already sold the West Philippine Sea and we still don't know about it.) 

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https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/14/gonzales-tells-pinoys-shun-false-narrative-on-west-philippine-sea-issue

HR No.1216 is titled, a "Resolution directing the House of Representatives, through the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to investigate, in aid of legislation, the veracity of the alleged promise to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal as claimed by China". 

Castro urged the House of Representatives to prioritize the investigation and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Duterte-China deal. 

"We demand full disclosure of the details of this secret agreement. The Filipino people have the right to know what compromises were made and what implications these have on our country's territorial integrity," she said. 

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque had earlier revealed that Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jingpin had agreed to maintain the “status quo” at Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre had been grounded. 

This agreement purportedly included refraining from constructing and repairing installations in the WPS. It also stipulated that only food and water supplies, not construction materials, could be delivered to the troops manning the ship.