The government is clearly trying its best not to let the matter get out of hand or let emotions get the better of us, or the Chinese. But after several days of crisis management, it seems that certain Cabinet officials have simply created the very thing they were avoiding. Diplomatic concerns or protests never passed their lips nor were they asking for an audience with the high and mighty Cabinet members or the President. In summary, President Duterte did the right thing by not commenting on the matter because it was not a “national” interest issue. His Cabinet members talked themselves silly and made the President look suspiciously silent.

Source: Philippine Star June 18, 2019 16:01 UTC