OUTGOING President Duterte yesterday said he wants to go with the Philippine Coast Guard during one of its trips to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“… Someday I could maybe ride with the Coast Guard to see… you can invite me to ride with you. It does not have any ramifications because I’ll be a civilian. And I could maybe ride with you to the West Philippine Sea. It is a gamble,” he said in mixed English and Filipino during ceremonies for commissioning of the multi-role response vessel BRP Melchora Aquino at the South Harbor in Manila.
BRP Melchora Aquino is one of the two largest ships acquired by the Department of Transportation for the PCG under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase 2. The vessel, modeled after the Japanese Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class vessel, will be used for patrols including the Philippine Rise and the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.
Duterte reiterated the Philippines cannot afford to fight with China and would not win.
Duterte, however, recognized efforts to modernize the PCG and its efforts to help protect the country especially in “maintaining its independence and integrity as a republic.”
He expressed belief there would be no problem if he rides with the PCG since he will be doing it as a civilian and not as a leader or official of the country.
Duterte steps down on June 30.
During the 2016 campaign, then presidential candidate Duterte said he intends to “jet ski” towards the disputed area in the South China Sea and plant the Philippine flag on the Spratly islands.
In 2021, Duterte said his jet ski ride to Spratly pronouncement was just a “campaign joke” and even called those that believed him “stupid.”
He said some people were just not used to his style of speaking and campaigning and believed what he said. He also said he tried to plan for the trip but realized it would be difficult to use a jet ski going to Spratly due gas supply and distance issues.
The President also reiterated the Philippines would never give up fighting for its sovereign rights and exclusive economic zone in the disputed sea.
