Coming soon: House probe on Duterte-China 'gentleman's agreement', says Dalipe
At A Glance
- Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe has assured the public that the House will act on solons' request for an inquiry on the alleged "gentleman's agreement" between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese government on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Arnold Quizol/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe has assured the public that the House will act on solons' request for an inquiry on the alleged "gentleman’s agreement" between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese government on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Dalipe bared in a statement Tuesday, April 16 that the House of Representatives will carry out the investigation "when Congress resumes its regular sessions next week".
Congress is currently in the middle of a five-week summer break. The lawmakers are set to reconvene again on Monday, April 29.
"In response to the request of our colleagues led by Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun, the House of Representatives will consider the call to probe the supposed gentleman’s agreement when Congress resumes its regular sessions next week,” Dalipe, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said.
“Protecting our national territory and marine resources are of utmost importance,” he stressed.
Dalipe agreed with Zambales 1st district Congressman Khonghun and other House leaders’ call for the need to scrutinize the implications of any agreements touching the Philippine sovereign rights.
“The inquiry is aimed at guaranteeing transparency and protecting the national interests,” he said.
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“The House of Representatives is committed to conducting a comprehensive and fair inquiry to clarify this critical national issue,” added the majority leader.
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.