Yeah but we're not interested in taking the Spratly Islands or the Scarborough Shoal away from the Philippines. Can Duterte say the same about China?
China will develop the islands and give Phillipines a cut.
We can’t defend Phillipines claims and can’t afford to develop the islands.
What good are we?
The point is you arent going to help him take them back.
Therefore you are no use to him.
So he has to deal with the bully as best he can.