The Philippine and China are putting premium on their newfound friendship rather than disturb the peace over territorial claims. The President said he recently obtained the assurance from the Chinese government on the matter and believed it has “word of honor”. Duterte declined to reveal the source of the information but believe that China will keep its word. “China has a word of honor…But know about China kung anong sabihin niya, in good instead talagang ginawa niya,”he said.

Kabiling, G. D., & Rosario, B. R. (2017, March 24). Gentleman's agreement over Panatag. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 16.