Opposition congressmen yesterday branded as a publicity gimmick President Duterte’s plan to visit Benham Rise, also called Philippine Rise, suggesting that he should instead sail to contested territories in the West Philippine Sea. “The Chinese are actively invading our islands in the West Philippine Sea. Why go to the Philippine Rise when the immediate problem is in the WPS,” Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice said. He said the planned trip to the uncontested undersea region off the coast of Aurora “is just a cheap publicity stunt.”

Diaz, J. (2018, April 29). Rody’s Philippine Rise visit a gimmick — lawmaker. The Philippine Star, p. 12.