Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on Wednesday cautioned President Duterte about making “spur of the moment statements” that could further encourage China’s expansionist ambitions in the South China Sea. Mr. Duterte’s “lighthearted way” of assuring China of Philippine friendship also drew a tweet about the importance of Benham Rise. Del Rosario said the statement could give the impression that “the Palace is not faithfully executing its role to defend what is ours.”

Andrade, J. I. (2017, April 13). Duterte cautioned on sea row remarks. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.