Trouble would ensue if the Philippines insisted on its maritime claims in the South China Sea, President Duterte said. Duterte stressed he is open to a joint exploration with China to avoid conflict, instead of confronting the military giant. He reiterated that the Philippines does not have the capability to declare war on China, adding that a conflict would only result in the massacre of Filipino soldiers.

Romero, A. (2018, May 21). Confronting China means trouble- Rody. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 9, 10.