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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Rep. Paolo Duterte slams Sotto for suddenly backing joint oil exploration with China

Rep. Paolo Duterte slams Sotto for suddenly backing joint oil exploration with China

Published Apr 7, 2026 04:07 pm
SOTTO (Senate President FB)
SOTTO (Senate President FB)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte on Tuesday, April 7, questioned Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto's sudden support for a proposed joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China.
In a statement, Duterte said he respects Sotto "as a fraternal brother" and urged him speak out about the matter.
"Before, your stance against China was firm. Now, you suddenly want to push for joint exploration — and even blame the previous administration for why it did not push through," Duterte said. "What is it really?"
Sotto said he is optimistic that a joint oil exploration deal with China could push through.
The exploration was proposed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
He asked if Sotto's current stance was driven by national interest or other considerations.
"Is the interest of the Filipino people more important to you, or your own financial security? Or perhaps your loyalty lies with whoever holds the funds and power?" Duterte said.
Duterte urged Sotto to remain consistent in his principles and warned him against shifting positions based on perceived benefits.
"If you stand by a principle, stand by it until the end – not opposing yesterday, then supporting today depending on where the advantage is," he said.

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Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte Senate President Tito Sotto Oil exploration China
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