National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. admitted Wednesday that the Philippines has no capability to remove the Chinese bases in the West Philippine Sea, and the only paramount solution is to build stronger ties with its allies. Esperon agreed with President Rodrigo Duterte that the government should establish stronger ties with China on the basis of bilateral relations.

Barcelo, V. (2018, March 8). Who would dare to remove Chinese bases in WPS?. Manila Standard, p. A1.