Later, Alejano added changes about his relations with
China, saying: "He utterly failed and/or refused to assert the country's exclusive sovereign rights and maritime rights and territorial claims over
Benham Rise and
Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and the rest of the
West Philippine Sea (the government's designation for portions of the South China Sea)." In response to the allegations, Duterte sent the
Philippine Navy to occupy several "disputed" islands. In May 2018, former
Solicitor General Florin Hilbay asserted that Duterte may be impeached if he fails to protect the country's territory in the South China Sea. This comment followed reports that the
Chinese Army had installed anti-ship and air-to-air defenses on outposts also claimed by
Vietnam and the Philippines over the previous last 30 days. Duterte has been under harsh criticism for its ineffectual policy of
appeasement with the
Chinese government. In response, Duterte claimed to the press that
Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping swore to protect him from moves that will result in his removal from office. "The assurances of Xi Jinping were very encouraging...'We will not allow you to be taken out from your office, and we will not allow the Philippines to go to the dogs,'" Duterte said. In July 2018, former Solicitor General Hilbay further explained that, in his legal opinion, Duterte's inaction may cause the Philippines to lose their legal claim due to the
waiver doctrine. Such conduct would constitute a betrayal of
public trust, is ground for impeachment: "I'd say it's a culpable violation of the Constitution," Hilbay said. "There's no doubt in my mind as a constitutionalist, as the agent who served as counsel for the Republic, that these are clear betrayals of public trust." the wife of its captain opined that she was in favor of impeaching Duterte for continuing to allow Chinese boats to fish in the area. Similarly, fisherfolk group
Pamalakaya also filed an impeachment case against Duterte. == Others ==