File photo from the official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has “no comment” on issues about the West Philippine Sea as she preferred to be silent when asked about her stand on China’s continued aggression in the area.
Duterte also echoed what her brother, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, had said — that questions on China-related attacks should be addressed by government agencies responsible for the country’s foreign policy and external defense.
READ: Sara Duterte’s ‘silence’ on China’s hostility in West PH Sea hit
“No comment. I think comprehensive na yung statement ni Congressman Paolo (I think Congressman Paolo’s statement is already comprehensive). That should be answered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and secretary of national defense,” the vice president told reporters in an ambush interview on Monday.
Last month, Duterte was challenged by the Akbayan organization to speak up and make her position known on the matter.
The group also said Duterte should “show some courage” and “defend” the country’s sovereignty, instead of using her voice to defend the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and alleged rapist Apollo Quiboloy.
Akbayan’s statement came after Duterte showed up at a rally in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to support Quiboloy.
She said the congressional investigation on the sect leader, who is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, was a “trial by publicity.”
Earlier Monday, the Department of National Defense confirmed that two Chinese ships were tailing the patrol of the Philippines, together with its three key allies, in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday.
In addition, the China Coast Guard (CCG) again fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel en route to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on March 23 for a rotation and resupply mission.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the supply vessel sustained “heavy damage,” while some military service members sustained injuries due to the continued high-power water blasting of the CCG.