As a Filipino deeply concerned about our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, I
stand firm in my position regarding the alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between
former President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the context of the
South China Sea dispute.
The South China Sea has long been a contentious issue, with multiple countries,
including the Philippines, having overlapping claims in the region. China’s aggressive
expansion and militarization of artificial islands in disputed waters have raised
significant concerns about maritime security and stability in the area.
The purported understanding between Duterte and Xi Jinping aimed to maintain the
status quo in the South China Sea during Duterte’s presidency. While the agreement
sought to prevent further escalation of tensions, recent events have shown that China’s
actions have contradicted the spirit of this understanding.
The alleged agreement, if true, raises serious questions about the protection of
Philippine sovereignty and interests in the South China Sea. Any agreement that
compromises our territorial claims or undermines our national security must be
reevaluated and addressed with utmost transparency and accountability.
As a Filipino citizen, I call for transparency regarding any agreements or understandings
made by our government officials, especially those concerning our territorial integrity. It
is essential that the Filipino people are informed and involved in decisions that impact
our nation’s sovereignty and security.
With the changing political landscape in the Philippines and the growing assertiveness
of China in the region, it is imperative that our government adopts a firm and principled
stance in defending our territorial claims in the South China Sea. We must prioritize
national interests and work towards a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to maritime
disputes.
In conclusion, as a Filipino deeply invested in our nation’s future, I urge our leaders to
uphold our sovereignty, protect our territorial rights, and prioritize the well-being of our
people in all engagements related to the South China Sea dispute.