Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino has the obligation to reveal the details of the assignment he gave to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who held a series of backchanneling talks with China during the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

“What exactly was Senator Trillanes role and mandate? He made 16 trips to China as your emissary. Where are the reports and what were the agreements reached?” asked Cayetano in an open letter to Aquino.

Cayetano hit back at Aquino on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue after the former President mentioned the 60-40 proposed sharing of natural resources in the disputed seas.

“While we both lost some of our hair, your administration lost control of Scarborough and a great opportunity to expand tourism, infrastructure and agriculture. We also lost many opportunities for cooperation in fields like science and technology and protection of the environment, all because of the approach you, together with former Secretary Del Rosario and Senator Trillanes, chose to adopt and implement,” he said.

The Palace cited two areas in the WPS being considered for a 60-40 joint energy exploration missions with China which are Service Contracts 57 covering Calamian and 72 involving Recto Bank that are both within the disputed areas.

Cayetano said Aquino should be transparent on the “secret mission” he entrusted to Trillanes.

Cayetano said the country lost Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal during the watch of Aquino and after sending Trillanes to hold backdoor talks with China.

“Who did Senator Trillanes negotiate with in the back channel talks? Who else did you authorize for this mission?” Cayetano further asked.

An impasse erupted in April 2012 after a Philippine Navy ship attempted to apprehend Chinese fishing vessels caught poaching along Scarborough Shoal which is located some 124 nautical miles from Masinloc in Zambales.

Aquino ordered the pullout of Philippine ships from the area after two months, citing bad weather, but Chinese vessels stayed put to allow China to gain control of the rich fishing ground.

“How did we lose control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 during your watch? Who made the decision to end the stand-off by ordering Philippine ships to leave, and on who’s advice?” Cayetano asked.

“Who was in command of the situation? Was it you, or (Foreign Affairs) Secretary (Albert) Del Rosario or Senator Trillanes? Why didn’t you order the Philippine ships to return to the area when the Chinese ships did not leave as expected?” he added.

He also recalled Trillanes’ refusal to answer queries from former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile during a Senate session and the senator’s walkout from the debates.

“Since then, nothing has been heard of his secret trips. Why? How can you say they were transparent when the embassy report was about only on one meeting?” Cayetano asked.

The foreign affairs secretary dared Aquino to answer his queries for the sake of transparency.

“Our people await your response to these questions in earnest, to be fully informed finally of the background of our complicated situation. Your response will help us decide on how to proceed further in shaping our policy with China,” Cayetano said.

“If, indeed, transparency is important to you as you claim, then consider your early response to these questions as crucial,” he added.

In an earlier interview by Daily Tribune, Enrile stressed he warned Aquino regarding Trillanes’ secret missions to China — saying what Trillanes had discussed with his Chinese contacts could be contrary to the country’s interest.

Aquino told media there is no need to share resources with China since the area to be explored is within the Philippines 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.

Cayetano, however, has not yet identified any particular area in the WPS that is being considered for joint exploration with China.

At the same time, Cayetano asked Aquino to offer solutions to the maritime conflict instead of just criticizing the Duterte administration which only inherited the mess he caused.

“You often reminded our people that we need solutions and not just plain criticism. You are right about it. May we have your alternatives or proposals instead of merely criticizing the government today?” Cayetano asked.

Apart from losing Scarborough Shoal, Cayetano said the Philippines missed so much more during Aquino’s watch.

“It’s regrettable that you chose to play with words, including comparing our haircuts, in responding to an immensely important issue and addressing people’s main questions about the situation at the West Philippine Sea,” Cayetano said.