MANILA – A ranking National Security Council (NSC) official said the Philippines will never agree to any agreement that would allow China's claim over Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to be recognized.
In a statement late Saturday, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said any Philippine agreement to "internal understanding" or "new model" will be deemed as acquiescence or recognition of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal as its territory.
"As Ayungin Shoal is a part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, we cannot agree to any such understanding that violates the Philippine constitution or international law," he added.
Malaya issued this statement after claims that China and the Philippines made two new deals last year to reduce tensions in Ayungin Shoal.
"The public, most especially the media, should take all statements about the WPS from the Chinese Embassy with a grain of salt. These are the same people who said that the entire South China Sea is theirs, who militarized artificial islands, who created military bases in our EEZ, who claim that the videos of blocking, dangerous maneuvers, and water cannons are all fabricated by the media in cahoots with the Philippine government. It is a trap, nothing more, nothing less," he said.
Malaya also said this "new model" announced by the Chinese Embassy is nothing more than a new invention.
"As the President has clearly stated, there is no agreement whatsoever about Ayungin Shoal and that we shall continue to do all activities within the bounds of international law, and we shall brook no interference in our lawful actions," he added.
Malaya also reminded the Chinese Embassy that any understanding without the authorization of the President has no force and effect.
"And therefore, the Philippines never broke any agreement because there was none to begin with," he added.
Malaya said this latest pronouncement is part of Chinese propaganda aimed at sowing division in the Philippines over the issue.
"The propaganda masters are clearly working overtime in Beijing to sow discord and division in our country for one purpose alone: to push their claim that the Philippines is the one causing increased tensions in the WPS and provoking conflict because it has reneged on its promises," he added. (PNA)
