Former presidents have advised the Duterte administration to exercise restraint on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) row following the issuance of an international arbitral court ruling that voided China’s expansive territorial claim. President Duterte said he would take the advice of his predecessors and be cautious in handling the issue to avoid placing the lives of soldiers at risk. “President (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) said caution. President (Joseph) Estrada said restraint. President (Benigno) Aquino (III) advised the same,” he told soldiers and policemen in Camp Guillermo Nakar here. “During my watch, we will take it a bit slowly … Your life is not something I can just throw away,” the President told soldiers.

Romero, A., & Sy, M. (2016, July 29). Duterte advised to exercise restraint on sea row. Philippine Star, p. 19.