President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is baffled by the “secret agreement” reached by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, with China with the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirming that an agreement was reached during the Duterte administration over the Ayungin Shoal.
During a media interview Friday in Washington D.C., President Marcos said he has three questions regarding the gentleman’s agreement, or secret agreement: Is there such an agreement? What is contained in the secret agreement, and why is it secret?
“So, now, with the confirmation of the Chinese Embassy. We now know that there was a secret agreement. Now, this is, the second question that I have, is what is contained in the second agreement?” he told reporters.
“Ano ba ang pinangako ng Duterte administration sa China? Dahil hindi pa natin alam eh kung – ngayon lang pa lang natin talaga – ngayon lang tayo nakakatiyak na mayroon talagang, mayroon pala talagang agreement. Tawag nila is gentleman’s agreement, tawag ko diyan, secret agreement,” he further stated.
President Marcos expressed wonder why the former president, being a very experienced lawyer, decided not to document, record, or announce the agreement.
Nevertheless, President Marcos said he is ready to sit down with the former president to discuss foreign policy and the agreements entered into by the government in connection with the South China Sea.
It was reported that the former leader claimed to have in his possession documents relating to China and is said to be reviewing all the agreements entered into by his administration.
“Send them to me and then we’ll sit down. Send those documents to me. And then I’ll sit down and discuss it. I’ll do my homework for him. Just the way I work. I read all the materials first so when I’m in the conference, I can ask intelligent questions,” President Marcos said when asked in a media interview if he is willing to discuss the issue with Duterte.
“So send me the materials, personally to me. ‘Wag na sa DOJ, sa DFA, sa akin. Padala n’ya sakin. Marami kaming common na kaibigan. Send them to me. Pag-aralan ko. Mag-usap kami kung gusto n’ya,” the Chief Executive said.
The President also said he disagrees with the idea of entering into a secret agreement with China that could compromise the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Any agreement with another sovereign state should be known by the people, by the elected officials, and by the Senate, which ratifies treaties entered into by the government, he said.
“It should be known by the local officials. It should be known by everyone. Because in that way you can… you are accountable. If it’s a bad decision, you’re accountable. Sabihin n’yo, mali ‘yung ginawa ninyo. Di ba? Ano ‘yung tinatago mo, bakit di n’yo sinabi, what are you hiding? Why was it secret?” he asked.
President Marcos also brushed off Duterte’s criticism on naval patrols in the West Philippine Sea, saying it has “no place in this very important and very precarious discussion.”
“I don’t pay any attention to that,” he said.
