Manila, March 17 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday described as "not binding" the letter presented by China alleging that Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) is not part of Philippine territory.

"That letter is not binding at all. Iyan ang problema sa China. Lahat ng mga pagsisinungaling ginagawa nila (That's the problem with China. They are resorting to all kinds of lies)," he added during an interview on the sidelines of a medical and dental mission in Laoac, Pangasinan.

Teodoro was referring to the 1990 letter, being presented by the Chinese Embassy in Manila as allegedly penned by the late Philippine Ambassador to Germany, Bienvenido Tan Jr., claiming that Scarborough Shoal is outside...