Malacañang on Monday conceded that country could not do anything about the West Philippine Sea for now as it is controlled by China. Instead of waging war with the Asian powerhouse, all the Philippines can do is to negotiate with China, said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo. “Sila ang may kontrol, as of now. Meron silang pwersa doon. We can only protest like any other country na may claim (in the area) like Vietnam. Saka ‘yun lang ang magagawa natin. You want us to declare war against them?” Panelo said.

Co, A. S. (2019, March 26). Palace: China controls West Philippine Sea. Panay News, pp. 5, 10.