Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized that he does not wish to pass judgment hastily on the recent meeting between former President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Teodoro asserted that it is essential to first ascertain the details discussed in the meeting before determining whether there are any alarming implications.
"Una, dapat malaman [muna] natin kung ano 'yung pinag-usapan [nila] para mahusgahan natin kung cause of concern o hindi," the secretary pointed explained.
The defense secretary pointed out that there is no way to fully know the topics covered in the meeting or to coordinate with private citizen Duterte regarding the matter.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the former President advocated for the Philippines' interests during the discussion with the Chinese leader.
"Pero inaasahan natin [bilang] dating presidente ng Pilipinas, ang interes ng buong Pilipinas ay taglay niya (Rodirgo Duterte)," he added.
Meanwhile, according to reports, President Xi assured Duterte of his commitment to maintaining the crucial friendship between the Philippines and China.
