President Rodrigo Duterte did not hide his disappointment as the passage of the code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea was delayed again. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Pnelo said the President explained there would be a higher probability of maritime incidents and a greater chance of miscalculations with the absence of the code. "The Palace confirms that (Duterte) attended the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit Retreat where he expressed concern and disappointment over the delay in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea," Panelo said.

Co, A. S. (2019, June 25). Code of conduct delay dismays Du30. Panay News, p. 8.