MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday hit back on China's remarks on the country's arbitral win, and urged the Duterte administration to show grit in asserting rights in the West Philippine Sea. Manila and the international community on July 12 marked the fifth year since a United Nations-backed tribunal invalidated China's nine-dash claim in a landmark ruling. Robredo scored the comments as unnecessary and unfortunate, but added she was no longer surprised. READ: Alarm raised over Duterte's 'piece of paper' remark on Philippines' arbitral win"The more we retreat, the more we will only be pressed against the wall," Robredo continued in Filipino. She added it was long overdue, as Duterte had faced calls to retract his comments on the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Philippine Star July 13, 2021 10:07 UTC