Del Rosario hits back at Duterte for jetski promise

MANILA, Philippines — Former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario hit back at President Duterte over his remarks that he did not promise to retake the West Philippine Sea and pressure China.

“With due respect, Mr. President, whether or not you promised to retake the West Philippine Sea and pressure China, it is the duty of the President under the Constitution to protect what is ours and our fellow Filipinos are relying on the President to do so,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

He urged Duterte “not to trade our lands and waters for prospects of money given by China” and to instead enforce the arbitral award.

Del Rosario reminded Duterte that during the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal stand-off, the Chinese did not withdraw its forces – a breach of the US-brokered agreement urging ships from both sides to leave the area.

“We withdrew while Beijing did not. Until now, China refuses to withdraw its vessels to the prejudice of the Filipino people,” he said.

“On the comment made by the President that he will punch me when he sees me, may we convey that we wish him well and may he uphold his sworn duty to the Filipino people,” Del Rosario said.