Kabayan Representative Harry Roque confirmed on Wednesday that Philippines did not agree to the proposal of Beijing “allowing” Filipino fishermen to return to Scarborough Shoal, because it would go against the ruling of an international tribunal that the common fishing ground did not belong to anyone.
Hence, China and the Philippines did not sign a written agreement on the return of Filipino fishermen to Scarborough Shoal during President Duterte’s state visit to China last week, according to Roque.
“The reason it was not formally announced, and that it was not put in writing, is we don’t want to use the word ‘allow’ or ‘permit,’ because it will [contradict] the Hague ruling,” Roque told a press briefing at the House of Representatives.
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