Vice President Sara Duterte has chosen silence over China’s aggressive moves in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the highly disputed West Philippine Sea.

Joint naval drills of the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, April 7, 2024. (Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines)

In a media interview in Pasig City on Monday, April 8, the country’s second highest official refused to give a statement regarding the violent incidents in the West Philippine Sea that has already resulted in injuries and property damages.
 

“No comment,” she said when asked about criticisms of her silence over the territorial and maritime issues.
 

The official instead noted the statement given by her brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, who defended her and said it’s not her job to “demonize China or any country for that matter,” was "comprehensive."
 

Without naming President Marcos, the lawmaker insisted that questions on China’s actions should be directed to the chief architect of the foreign policy, which happens to be the President.
 

The Vice President’s silence over China’s actions in the resource-rich region is “deafening,” Akbayan Party-list President Rafaela David said.
 

On Sunday, April 7, the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia held joint maritime drills in the contested waters in an aim to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
 

Geopolitical pundits see it as a show of force against China, which also held combat patrols in the South China Sea, which has water cannoned Philippine vessels near the Ayungin Shoal in several instances.
 

Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, has forged a close relationship with China during his administration and was allegedly responsible for a “gentleman’s agreement” that promised the Philippines would not bring construction materials to a shoal that sits 200 kilometers away from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers away from China’s Hainan Island.