The Philippines will still rely on China’s good faith even as the Asian power has expanded and fortified the islands it is occupying in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. Asked to comment on a report from Beijing that it has “reasonably” expanded its man-made islands to boost their defense capabilities, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said: “We don’t know where these works are. We continue to rely on China’s good faith.” In the report, Beijing said the expansion would also benefit the inhabitants of the islands by providing them with stable power supply and fresh water.

Romero, A. (2017, December 26). Phl relies on China's good faith amid expansion in SCS. The Philippine Star, p. 3.