Former President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano
Former President Benigno Aquino III on Friday lashed back at Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, saying questions by the secretary on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) can easily be answered by a quick Google search.
“I would have to say that the overwhelming bulk of the questions that you put forward could be easily answered through a quick Google search,” Aquino said in a statement.
The attack is the latest in the word war between the former President and Cayetano that began after Aquino asked government to be “transparent” in its negotiations with China.
Cayetano then raised 11 questions for Aquino to answer on how he handled the row with China during his administration.
READ: Cayetano slams Aquino for dodging questions on sea rows with China
Aquino, however, refused to provide answers to Cayetano’s questions, saying that by doing so China will be given “a gold mine of information and intelligence” or a “playbook” of the country’s strategy in the West Philippine Sea.
“That would make us predictable. I believe that would indeed make your life, and our country’s position, more difficult should a similar situation arise down the line,” he said.
Aquino also took a swipe at Cayetano’s interest in basketball, and asked if he would readily give his playbook to his opponent.
“Alan, I remember you as being very fond of basketball. I ask: Would it be wise to give your team’s playbook to your opponent?” he said.
Aquino added that as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Cayetano has at his “disposal the files and relevant personnel concerning the issue.” /muf
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