South China Sea: Philippine admiral at centre of ‘new deal’ saga breaks silence on alleged pact with Beijing

But Carlos, who was recently removed from his command, said under oath that a transcript of their conversation, given to local media by the embassy, did not accurately reflect their brief conversation.

“I did not enter into any secret deals that will compromise the interests of our country,” Carlos told the committee. “I have not compromised the country’s territorial integrity, I have not given up our sovereign rights and entitlement. I am a soldier for the Filipinos. I remain a loyal servant of the republic.”

Carlos’ removal from his post as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command was announced on Saturday by Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

Carlos was replaced two weeks after taking “personal leave” following the embassy’s release of the transcript.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, his National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año and defence chief Teodoro have separately denied knowledge of any such agreement.

The alleged transcript says Carlos and the Chinese embassy official had struck a so-called 1+1 deal in which Manila would deploy only one coastguard vessel and one resupply boat, while Beijing would respond with one coastguard vessel and a fishing boat.

Carlos told the senate committee that in early January he received a phone call from the Chinese military attaché, whom he said he had met on “several occasions in diplomatic events” and other activities over the last several years.

He identified the attaché as “Senior Colonel Li” but could not recall his first name.

Carlos said Li’s name and number were recorded in his phone, and he answered the call thinking it was a social greeting from Li to start off the new year.

During the call, which Carlos said lasted from three to five