President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel criticized China Monday for the continued presence of Chinese ships in the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, warning that the territorial incursion could damage ties and lead to “unwanted hostilities.” “While we recognize the historical and cultural ties with China that has evolved into a productive relationship, its present territorial incursions is producing an unwelcome stain in their bond and may trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue, as [the] destructive consequences are not only undesirable, they are abhorrent as well and anathema to the peace of the region,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said, in the strongest statement yet from the Palace about China’s actions in the South China Sea. “We join the voices of protest and dissent of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. in the matter of the unjustified stay of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef,” Panelo said in a statement.

Barcelo, V., & Requejo, R. E. (2021, April 6). Palace talks tough to China: Panelo warns of 'unwanted hostilities' over Chinese boats' incursions. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.