Security analyst and former Magdalo partylist representative Ashley Acedillo had called on the President to disclose the details of his agreement with China over Benham Rise. Acedillo said that if Chinese ships indeed surveyed Benham Rise with Duterte’s blessings, then the Philippines should get a copy of the findings. Flanked by his assistant secretaries, Manalo exuded confidence in answering questions from reporters, but when the Benham Rise issue was raised, he said he was not the right person to answer. Manalo said any ship going to the Benham Rise must ask permission. But Abella said there were no grounds to impeach the President over his recent statements on the presence of Chinese ships in Benham Rise.

Source: Manila Times March 16, 2017 16:30 UTC