Philippine Senate Considers Joint Oil Exploration Between Philippines and China During Marcos Jr.'s Term
As the Philippine government seeks ways to secure alternative energy supplies, the Philippine Senate is considering reviving joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea—the Philippine term for the South China Sea areas within its exclusive economic zone.
Senate President Tito Sotto said the proposal was first put forward during the early days of former President Duterte’s administration but did not progress at that time.
In a message sent to reporters on Monday, Sotto stated: "Myself, former Senator Honasan, Senator Lacson, and Mañalac had previously presented this proposal to President Duterte during his early term. At the time, former Civil Service Administrator Salvador Medialdea was also present. They agreed with our proposal, but it ultimately went nowhere."
When asked whether he was optimistic that the proposal could be advanced under the current Philippine government, Sotto replied: "I hope so." He added that discussions might resume, saying, "I may request a meeting after further discussion with our group."
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said that joint exploration is not a new idea and pointed out that a technical working group had already been established during the Duterte administration.
"In fact, this is not a new proposal. A technical working group was already formed during the Duterte administration. At that time, I served as Chair of the Energy Commission, so I’ve been overseeing the progress. The negotiating teams from both the Philippines and China struggled to reach consensus because each side insisted on their own legal framework," Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian added, "So personally, I believe joint exploration can proceed as long as our sovereignty and sovereign rights are not weakened or compromised, since this takes place within our exclusive economic zone."
He noted that China possesses advanced technology and experience in oil and gas exploration, which the Philippines could leverage—provided any cooperation arrangement complies with Philippine laws.
Previously, Philippine Senate Acting President Panfilo Lacson had supported joint oil and gas exploration with China, citing energy security concerns. However, he emphasized that any agreement must comply with the 60/40 ownership ratio requirement stipulated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
"Yes, I firmly support it—I absolutely support it. The potential is enormous, and we stand to benefit greatly," Lacson said.
At the same time, Senator Erwin Tulfo said that in light of the current crisis, the Philippines could consider signing an agreement with the Omani government to increase oil supply. Tulfo, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, made this suggestion during a meeting with Oman’s ambassador to the Philippines at the Omani Embassy.
"If this war continues, I hope you can help us boost our oil reserves. We will formally request through official government channels—the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Energy," Tulfo said.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1861736256433164/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author