The president said, though, that the UN cannot enforce it either and that China can veto any UN action. Enrile said that the 2016 ruling has not been wasted since it is already on record and because it is based on UNCLOS but cautioned against "irritating" China. We have to deal with China instead of making China as a foe or irritate China, why don’t we befriend China without surrendering our rights? 'Best of relations'Duterte said the Philippines now has "the best of relations" with China, adding that China now "allows" Filipino fishermen access to Panatag instead of chasing them away with water cannons. Duterte said he will not waste the warm ties his administration has developed with Beijing.

Source: Philippine Star May 18, 2021 00:19 UTC