Is China a bully? Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo could not give a categorical answer yesterday when asked if he agreed with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s assertion that China’s takeover of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal was “bullying.” But Panelo said he agreed with Lorenzana with respect to bullying by the Chinese Coast Guard of Filipino fishermen. “With respect to the Scarborough Shoal, I agree with (National Security Adviser) Secretary (Hermogenes) Esperon (Jr.) that we were outfoxed there,” the spokesman said at a press briefing. Pressed for word on his position on the Panatag incident, Panelo said he would ask the President first.

Romero, A., Laude, J., & Ramirez, R. (2019, August 2). China bully or not? Panelo will ask Rody. The Philippine Star, p. 6.