Malacañang on Wednesday appealed to critics of the government’s handling of the country’s maritime dispute with China to “be united on this issue.” “We appeal to the critics, we have to be united on this issue. Please do not claim to have a monopoly of upholding the national interest. Philippine President (Rodrigo R.) Duterte has been consistent that he will die for Philippine territory. But, meanwhile, he will not sacrifice even a single life for an issue that can be resolved on the basis of friendly relations,” Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a televised press briefing in Palawan.

Balinbin, A. L. (2018, March 8). Malacañang appeals for unity in sea row. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.