The relief of former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command chief Alberto Carlos from his position is proof that the Philippines entered into a "new model" understanding with China, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has claimed.
Carlos, who was tagged by China as the one who agreed to the "new model" in the management of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, was replaced by Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr. on May 7, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gibo Teodoro.
Carlos had previously gone on personal leave prior to his removal.
"The Philippines' replacement of the official concerned is exact evidence that China and the Philippines did reach (an) agreement on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao," Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said Wednesday.
During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Carlos broke his silence since China had claimed that he was the one who received a phone call from a Chinese military attache.
Carlos said that he regarded this call as a "casual conversation."
A tape recording of such conversation was then referred to by the Chinese Embassy in Manila as proof that a "new model" had been reached by the two countries.
Carlos also said he was unaware that the conversation was being taped, a procedure that vioates Republic Act 4200, or the Anti-Wiretapping Law.
Carlos denied forging any "agreements" with China.
"There are stories about me making secret deals with China and their officials. These are completely false," Carlos said.
"I am not authorized to enter into agreements. And I will never pretend to be my country's authority on matters regarding policy and country-to-country agreements. That should have been obvious to China officials, as it is obvious to everyone else," he added.
Wang said that the Philippine government's "persistent denial and breach of commitment—and blaming it all on China—shows exactly their guilty conscience."
It also showed "who is acting in bad faith, infringing the other side’s sovereignty and making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao," he added.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo already said that any agreement with China would be invalid if it was not written and signed by appropriate authorities or at the highest level, such as by him or by President Marcos.
Wang then repeated his call for the Philippines "to abide by the already reached agreements and understandings, observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and respect the common will of regional countries in keeping the South China Sea peaceful and stable, rather than heighten tensions in the region."