Senate President Zubiri denies delaying investigation on Duterte’s China agreement
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri refuted accusations of stalling the Senate’s inquiry into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s gentleman’s agreement with China. During a plenary session, Zubiri clarified that the investigation was not being delayed and urged the public to prioritize national sovereignty over political affiliations in the West Philippine Sea issue.
Zubiri assured his colleagues that there was no intention to delay discussions on the matter. He mentioned that he had previously stated that the resolution regarding Duterte’s pact with China could be referred to the committee on foreign relations.
In a subsequent development during the session, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva transferred the committee referral of Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ resolution to investigate Duterte’s pact with China from the committee on rules to the committee on foreign relations. Hontiveros, in her privilege speech, called for the Senate to uncover the truth behind the alleged agreement, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to Philippine sovereignty.
Hontiveros highlighted conflicting reports from the Chinese Embassy regarding agreements related to areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and urged the Senate to expose any lies or concealment regarding the issue. She emphasized the importance of getting to the truth amidst China’s “information warfare.”
