Mendoza believes President Duterte has not said or done anything weakening territorial and maritime claims, even in declaring: “We cannot stop China from doing its thing [on Panatag]. (Notably, Justice Carpio also said research on the waters is fine, but not on the seabed.) Asserting sovereign rightsHe also suggested five ways for President Duterte to fulfill his constitutional duty of asserting territorial claims, even without force. And he urged accepting the US standing offer of joint naval patrols in disputed areas, which President Duterte stopped. He also asked Beijing to clarify reports that it plans to build a environmental monitoring station on Panatag Shoal.

Source: Manila Times March 22, 2017 16:32 UTC