Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 3) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday visited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Palace said.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told CNN Philippines’ The Source that the meeting between the country’s current and former chief executives was brought up during the senators’ dinner with Marcos on Wednesday night.
“What he (Marcos) mentioned to us during the duration of (former) President Duterte’s meeting with Xi Jinping, the topic of the West Philippine Sea never was brought up.” Zubiri explained on Thursday. “According to the president, it was actually (former) President Duterte who mentioned to Xi Jinping that on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, ‘look kindly to the Philippines.'”
No other topics regarding Duterte’s meeting with Xi were mentioned during Marcos’ gathering with lawmakers, the senator noted.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos and Duterte \”also discussed other issues\” and the former president \” likewise gave some good pieces of advice to President Marcos.\” She did not elaborate.
Last July 17, Duterte met with Xi in Beijing. There is no information on who extended the invitation to Duterte and in what capacity he represented the Philippines.
Marcos previously said he was aware of Duterte’s meeting with Xi, and he expressed hope that Duterte could share with him the conversation he had with the Chinese leader.
Marcos also said Duterte’s trip did not need his blessing, and he was open to Duterte being a \”new line of communication\” between Beijing and Manila.
On July 12, the Philippines commemorated the seventh anniversary of the arbitral ruling that recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone and invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea. More governments around the world also reaffirmed their support for the landmark decision.
The Senate this week passed a resolution strongly condemning China for its continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
