Senator Loren Legarda on Sunday defended the government from criticisms of subservience to China, saying it is only natural for the Duterte administration to exhaust all diplomatic means to resolve the tension in the West Philippine Sea. Legarda, who chairs the Senate foreign relations committee, said it is unfair to compare President Duterte's foreign policy to that of previous administrations which she noted also had difficulties in dealing with China. Legarda said she believes the Duterte government is on the right track in keeping communication lines with Beijing open.

Torregoza, H. L. (2018, June 4). Loren defends Duterte against claims of sub-servience to China. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.