The Senate refuses to entertain Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte’s fiery remarks against Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III regarding his apparent shift in Philippine-China relations.

In a Wednesday report by RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said it was a waste of time to properly address Duterte’s “useless” rebukes.

This comes after Duterte roped in Lacson’s son, Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr. in his scathing diatribes, accusing him of smuggling rice, cement, and magnetic lifters.

Meanwhile, Sotto has kept his peace on the matter.

Earlier, Sotto said that he had spoken to former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Davao congressman’s father, to push through with his planned joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) alongside China, although nothing came of it.

Sotto then said he would bring up the matter with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Likewise, Lacson said he was in favor of the joint exploration with China, so long as Philippine sovereignty is protected.

In a statement posted on social media on April 7, Rep. Paolo Duterte pointed out a supposed contradiction in Sotto’s past and present stances on the country’s relationship with China.

“Noon, matapang ang tindig mo laban sa China. Ngayon, biglang gusto mong itulak ang joint exploration—at sinisisi pa ang nakaraang administrasyon kung bakit hindi ito natuloy. Ano ba talaga, kuyang?” he said, addressing him as a fraternity brother.

“Naalala mo pa Si Tariella ng PCG (Philippine Coast Guard)? Ang binigyan ng go signal para umusig laban sa China? Tahimik ka noon. Ngayon, bigla kang maingay? Out of the blue, nag-iba ang tono?” Duterte said, accusing him of prioritizing personal gain over the best interests of the Filipino people.