Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Arnold Quizol/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson Khonghun says that a congressional inquiry is in order regarding the alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This, as the House Assistant Majority Leader expressed concern over the potential compromise the supposed deal has caused to the Philippines’ territory and sovereignty.
“The integrity of our nation’s sovereignty cannot be subjected to clandestine agreements that undermine the rights of the Filipino people,” said Khonghun, a member of the House’s so-called “Young Guns”.
President Marcos had publicly denounced the purported agreement, and stated his horror at the notion of such a compromise.
The Chief Executive worried over the potential ramifications of the supposed Duterte-Xi deal on the country’s territorial integrity.
The alleged pact is widely believed to have given China leverage to shift blame onto the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the WPS. This, despite Beijing’s aggressive acts in shooing away Philippine vessels from the Philippines’ own exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
On Wednesday, independent minority solon and Liberal Party (LP) President Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman agreed with Marcos that the supposed pact was a big no-no.
In seeking a House investigation, Khonghun says that “It is imperative that we shed light on any agreements or arrangements that could potentially compromise our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“The Filipino people deserve to know the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any actions that may jeopardize our national interests,” added the legislator from Zambales.
The legislator expressed hope that the inquiry will provide clarity and decisive measures to uphold the interests of the Philippines in the WPS.
“The Filipino people are rightfully concerned about the implications of any agreements made in secrecy, particularly when it comes to our territorial sovereignty,” Khonghun said. — Ellson Quismorio
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
