DFA: Philippines will assert sovereign rights on oil exploration

MANILA, Philippines — Any decision to pursue and conclude an agreement on oil and gas cooperation with China or any foreign government will be made solely in accordance with the Philippine Constitution, laws and “full assertion” of the country’s sovereign prerogatives, the Department of Foreign Affairs assured the public yesterday.

The DFA statement was issued amid recent comments by certain sectors on the proposed reopening of discussions between the Philippines and China on oil and gas cooperation.

The Philippines possesses sovereign rights over the natural resources within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including any oil and gas deposits that may be found therein, the DFA pointed out.

“It is an exercise of this sovereignty that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., amid global energy uncertainties and consistent with the declaration of a National Energy Emergency, has underscored the need for the country to explore all lawful and viable options to attain energy security and ensure affordable and stable energy supply for the national economy and the Filipino people,” the DFA said.

“The DFA will continue to promote adherence to international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the centrality of Philippine sovereign authority in matters related to the country’s natural resources and maritime entitlements,” it added.

The Philippines and China discussed “initial exchanges” on a potential joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea as the two countries resumed bilateral dialogue to manage disputes in the contested waters.

Both countries convened back-to-back during the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on March 27 and 28 in Quanzhou City, Fujian province, China. 

Manila and Beijing explored preliminary steps toward oil and gas cooperation and emphasized stable energy and fertilizer access.

Asean unity crucial

To effectively address maritime security challenges in the region, unity among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must be sustained, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

“ASEAN has always drawn its strength from unity of purpose. That unity must continue to guide us not only in preserving what we have built – but in shaping what comes next,” he said during his keynote address at the Philippine Navy’s 11th Maritime Security Symposium in Quezon City on Friday, dubbed “Maritime Security in Southeast Asia: Navigating Continuity and Change Through ASEAN.”