Malacañang has declined to issue any reaction to reports that Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, amid heightened tensions over the West Philippine Sea.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the matter rests entirely with the mayor.
“Walang magiging reaksiyon ang Pangulo at Palasyo kung ano man ang ginagawa ng mayor ng Davao City. May kasabihan tayo: ‘buntot niya, hila niya’. Kung anong ginagawa niya, consequence niya po,” Castro stated.
She added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not interfere in the mayor’s actions, provided no laws are violated.
The Duterte family is known for its close ties with China, with numerous infrastructure projects during the Duterte administration funded by Chinese investors and supported by the Chinese government.