In Bangkok on Wednesday, acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo neither confirmed nor denied the reported "strong" protest against China. Jose said, however, that once the China's construction plan on the dispute shoal is confirmed, the Philippines will send China a different note of protest. Manalo, meanwhile, said that the Philippines is still waiting for China's reply regarding its reported plan on the disputed shoal. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1"The other day, the Department of Foreign Affairs already issued or requested China for clarification on this reported plan. As I said, it's only a reported plan so we're seeking clarification from China," Manalo said at a televised press briefing in Thailand.

Source: Philippine Star March 22, 2017 05:51 UTC