Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6) – Three senatorial aspirants emphasized that the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea must first be recognized by China before a joint oil exploration could be conducted in the contested waters.
During Sunday’s CNN Philippines Senatorial Forum, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said the primary requisite for such a project with China should be its acknowledgement of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating the Asian superpower’s “historical” claims in the South China Sea.
Beijing still refuses to accept the landmark ruling, as its naval vessels continue to enter Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), figuring in incidents with Filipino ships and crew members.
“In any joint exploration activities with China, the recognition of the arbitral tribunal ruling should be a primary requisite. Without that formal recognition, then nothing should proceed,” said Trillanes, who is part of the senatorial slate of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo.
Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, who like Trillanes is seeking a Senate comeback, said any joint exploration agreement in the area with China must be governed by Philippine laws.
“I will only support the joint exploration of oil and gas with China if it is, first, consistent with our Philippine laws and Philippine Constitution. Second, if it clearly defines and appreciates and recognizes Philippine sovereignty in our exclusive economic zone, and if it will protect our country’s marine resources,” said Legarda, who is listed in the senatorial tickets of presidential bets former senator Bongbong Marcos and incumbent senators Manny Pacquiao and Ping Lacon.
Former Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, meanwhile, said it is safe to follow what is constitutionally mandated on the conduct of joint explorations of oil and other natural resources.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution allows the Philippine government to enter into financial and technical assistance agreements (FTAA) with foreign corporations in exploring oil and other natural resources in the country’s EEZ.
“I would rather err on the side of caution and let our Constitution work by letting all activities involving oil and mineral exploration in the West Philippine Sea to be subject to the FTAA,” said Teodoro, who is also part of Marcos’ senatorial lineup.
In October 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the moratorium on oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea first implemented by his predecessor Benigno Aquino III due to China’s encroachment in the waters.
Two years prior to the lifting of the ban, Duterte and China President Xi Jinping signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct joint oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea.
