MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Sunday cried foul over news reports from various media outlets about his remarks, which sparked outrage from international law experts and scientists, regarding Chinese research in Benham Rise. During a press briefing Tuesday, Roque defended the approval given by the government to China to conduct maritime studies in Benham Rise by saying Filipinos could not do research there without China’s help. The Philippines, however, has been conducting research in Benham Rise even without China’s help. On Thursday, Roque tried to clarify his earlier remarks on the issue. While Roque claimed he was referring to China, reports from different media outlets showed that their reporters understood his remarks as referring to Filipinos.

Source: Philippine Star January 28, 2018 08:48 UTC