President Duterte yesterday said he might go to Pag-asa Island to raise the Philippine flag there to emphasize the country’s jurisdiction in the disputed South China Sea. Although the Philippines has won its case in the United Nations-backed Arbitral Tribunal, Duterte has set aside talks with China over the South China Sea and instead decided to strengthen the Philippines’ relations with the economic giant. However, he has also repeatedly assured the Filipinos that he will bring up the issue within his term and they will talk of nothing but the issue when the “right time” comes.

Geducos, A.C. (2017, April 7). Duterte plans to raise PH flag on Pag-asa Island. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 4.