07 May 2024 – Further to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Statement issued on 5 May 2024, the DFA wishes to emphasize that only the President of the Republic of the Philippines can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippine Government on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
In this respect, the DFA can confirm that no cabinet-level official of the Marcos Administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to the Ayungin Shoal.
As far as the Philippine Government is concerned, no such document, record or deal exists, as purported by the Chinese Embassy. END
