South China Sea: Chinese ‘cognitive warfare’ fears in Philippines as Marcos calls for deal probe

“We are looking into it because, the fact of the matter is, there have been mentions of a tape that confirms that there was this agreement,” Marcos Jnr said on the sidelines of an event in Makati City on Saturday.

“It’s very hard to come to a conclusion until we know the thing actually exists. If it does exist, it is in the possession of the Chinese embassy and the Chinese government,” he added.

Marcos Jnr said his office would not draw any conclusions until he had personally heard the audio from the supposed wiretapped conversation.

The key point of the alleged deal is a “1+1” format for both sides, meaning Manila would only deploy one Philippine coastguard vessel and a resupply boat to the shoal, while China would only launch one coastguard ship and a fishing boat in response. Manila would be required to notify Beijing two days in advance of any resupply missions, which could only deliver food and water to the troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre.

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Philippines seeks expulsion of Beijing diplomats over South China Sea wiretapping controversy

Over the weekend, Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jnr officially replaced Carlos as the chief of the military’s Western Command, which oversees most Philippine-claimed territories in the South China Sea. Carlos took a leave of absence days after the controversy arose.

On Sunday, Senator Francis Tolentino said an invitation was sent to Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, the consul general of China, and Carlos to attend the Senate investigation.

“Diplomats have immunity with respect to the normal operations of their embassy; however, there is no immunity for breaking the host country’s laws,” Tolentino said.

Asked why the president decided to call for an investigation instead