Gloria, Erap agree to meet Duterte on West Philippine Sea issues

Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are both willing to attend a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

According to a report on “24 Oras,” former senator Jinggoy Estrada said the former President and mayor of Manila was “very eager” to attend.

Jinggoy, however, said his father's attendance would depend on his doctors' evaluation as Estrada recently tested positive for COVID-19.

A member of Arroyo's staff said she had accepted Duterte’s invitation.

Former President Fidel Ramos has yet to issue a statement.

A source close to former President Noynoy Aquino III, meanwhile, said he had yet to receive a formal invitation from Malacañang.

The source said Aquino will be unable to attend due to undisclosed reasons.

Malacañang on Thursday said Duterte is considering sitting down with former presidents to discuss the issues.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. has said Duterte isn't keen on convening the national security council, saying nothing definite had come out of NSC meetings. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News