Former President Rodrigo Duterte did not make a secret deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the BRP Sierra Madre, certainly not one pledging not to repair the grounded ship which serves as a permanent military outpost at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, who had served in that capacity in the Duterte administration, emphasized this during a hearing of the House Committee on National Defense and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea.

Oliquino, E. (2024, May 22). No Duterte-Xi deal, Medialdea tells House. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A6.