Only the President of the Philippines can approve or authorize agreements relating to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. The DFA’s pronouncement came after the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed the Philippines’ defense secretary and national security adviser had agreed to a “new model” for managing the tension at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Both officials flatly denied China’s claim.

Quevedo, R., & Kabagani, L. J. (2024, May 8). 'Only BBM can approve WPS deals'. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.