By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday assured that any potential joint oil and gas exploration with China, or any other country, will strictly adhere to the Philippine Constitution and existing laws, amid renewed discussions on energy cooperation.
In a statement, the DFA emphasized that the Philippines retains sovereign rights over natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
“Any decision to pursue, structure, or conclude an agreement on oil and gas cooperation, with China or any other foreign government, will be made solely in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and the country’s laws, jurisprudence and regulations, and in full assertion of its sovereign prerogatives,” the DFA said.
The DFA noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the government to explore all lawful and viable options to ensure energy security, especially amid global oil supply uncertainties and the country’s ongoing energy emergency.
It added that diplomacy remains a key approach in engaging China, including on energy matters, while upholding Philippine sovereignty.
The statement comes following calls from lawmakers for transparency in any renewed talks on joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea, with some warning of risks if agreements are forged without public scrutiny.
The South China Sea remains a major geopolitical flashpoint, with competing territorial claims despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims, including areas in the West Philippine Sea that are within the country’s territory.
Energy cooperation in the area between the Philippines and China has faced setbacks in recent years. In 2023, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a tripartite agreement involving the Philippines, China and Vietnam for joint marine seismic surveys in disputed waters.
The DFA said it will continue working with concerned agencies to ensure that any arrangement “is anchored in the primacy of Philippine sovereignty” and consistent with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Last month, Marcos said rising tensions in the Middle East that have led to disruption on global oil supply chain could be the “impetus” for the Philippines to “come to an agreement” on joint energy exploration in the South China Sea. (PNA)
