President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he will not order Philippine ships to retreat from the West Philippine Sea, after Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin asked the Philippines to halt its moves that can worsen the tension in the WPS.
President Duterte clarified in his public address Wednesday (April 28) night that he does not want to go to war with China, and that the country is a “good friend.” However, there are “things which are not really subject to compromise.”
“Sabihin ko sa China, we do not want trouble, we do not want war. Pero kung sabihin mo na paalisin mo lang na ano — no,” he said.
“I’m stating it for the record, we do not want war with China. China is a good friend. Mayroon tayong utang na loob na marami, pati ‘yong bakuna natin. So China, let it be known, is a good friend, and we do not want trouble with them, especially a war.
“But there are things which are not really subject to a compromise, kagaya nang ginawa mag-atras-atras. Mahirap po ‘yan,” he added.
The Chief Executive asked for China’s understanding, and said he has the Philippines’ interest to protect.
Report from PTV News/NGS-jlo
