The government has yet to find the right timing to assert the country’s rights on territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) which are also being claimed by China and several other nations. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella assured the public that President Duterte will not abandon the country’s claims on the West Philippine Sea but reiterated the deep ties between the Philippines and China that needs to be preserved. According to Abella, the Palace agrees with the result of the survey and even the President said that the country needs to assert its rights but when the right time comes.

Geducos, A. C. (2017, January 29). 'Gov't not abandoning West PH Sea claims'. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.