Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said the Philippines' maritime issues with China remain unsolved as former president Rodrigo Duterte failed to secure the Philippines' national interest in the West Philippine Sea despite the latter's close ties with China.

Enrile said this in an interview over State-run Radyo Pilipinas on Thursday evening, Feb. 20.

During the interview, the former senate president pointed out that Duterte, who pursued closer relations with China during his six-year term, did not take decisive action on the disputed waters.

"Doon sa panahon nya, meron tayong peaceful relations sa Tsina. Pero hindi niya inayos yung national interest natin sa West Philippine Sea (We had peaceful relations with China during his time but he did not attend to our national interest in the West Philippine Sea)," Enrile said.

"Kaya hanggang ngayon, problems (That's why it's a problem until now)," he added.

However, Enrile recognized that international law is not enough to enforce the country's claims over the contested waters. China's military advantage also gives it control over the region.

"It is natural law that prevails, international law that you cannot enforce international law, you have no policeman, no army, to enforce international law," he said.

"So he who has the guns will rule, and they have the guns. China has," he added, noting that the Philippines does not have the military means to confront China.

Meanwhile, Enrile raised concerns about China's interest in the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), a resource-rich undersea plateau East of Luzon.

"We have to provide a security cover for the northern portion of Luzon because the Benham or Philippine Rise, it is not being developed now," he said.

"That Philippine Rise is a potential source of energy for us, and we have to provide the security for it because China is eyeing that place. They cannot," he added.

Enrile stressed the importance of securing the northern part of Luzon, including areas such as Cagayan, where the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is located.

CEZA, created through the Enrile-authored Republic Act No. 7922, seeks to promote economic development in the region. It aims to attract investments in various industries, including tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and financial technology.

CEZA also plays a crucial role in national defense as areas within its jurisdiction are designated as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, contributing to regional stability and promoting peace in the region.