Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has rejected President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to jointly explore the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with China. In a television interview with veteran journalist Tina Monzon Palma on Wednesday night, Robredo explained that the country cannot engage in any joint initiative with China since Chinese authorities have allegedly disrespected the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). She said this was done when China refused to adhere to the July 2016 Hague ruling, which junked China’s nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea and declared that the Spratly Islands (which include Mischief Reef), Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippines’ EEZ.

Panti, L. T. (2018, June 22). Robredo rejects joint exploration with China. The Manila Times, p. A3.