DFA READY TO EXPLAIN AYUNGIN SHOAL AGREEMENT AMID SENATE INQUIRY CALL

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is prepared to address questions regarding the provisional understanding with China on Ayungin Shoal following a Senate proposal to investigate the agreement. The agency said the understanding only sets principles and approaches to prevent misunderstandings during resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre and does not surrender Philippine sovereignty or maritime rights. The DFA emphasized that the agreement does not affect the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea and remains consistent with international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the deal’s impact on Philippine sovereign rights and its consistency with the arbitral award. The DFA reiterated that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and only the country has the authority to authorize activities in the area.