Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said the Philippines' maritime issues with China remain unsolved as former president Rodrigo Duterte failed to secure the Philippines' national interest in the West Philippine Sea despite the latter's close ties with China.
Feb 20, 2025 11:41 PMThe former senate president pointed out that Duterte, who pursued closer relations with China during his six-year term, did not take decisive action on the disputed waters.
"Doon sa panahon nya, meron tayong peaceful relations sa Tsina. Pero hindi niya inayos yung national interest natin sa West Philippine Sea ," Enrile said.However, Enrile recognized that international law is not enough to enforce the country's claims over the contested waters. China's military advantage also gives it control over the region.
Meanwhile, Enrile raised concerns about China's interest in the Philippine Rise , a resource-rich undersea plateau East of Luzon.
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