THE release of a purported transcript of an alleged "new model agreement" between the Philippines and China has ignited significant controversy, prompting President Marcos to initiate an investigation into claims that China wiretapped a phone conversation between Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, former chief of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a Chinese diplomat. A Senate hearing is also being conducted in this regard, to which the Chinese envoy to the Philippines has been invited.
The transcript was of an audio recording purportedly documenting a phone conversation on Jan. 3, 2024, which implies that Vice Admiral Carlos had acquiesced to the so-called new model for managing resupply missions to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is marooned. In the transcript, Carlos indicated to the Chinese diplomat that the proposed "new model" had received approval from higher authorities, including a name redacted in the document, AFP Chief General Brawner, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro and National Security Adviser Secretary/General Año.
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