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.

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 Marcos administration will continue to safeguard the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, a Malacañang official assured Filipinos yesterday, as Manila and Beijing opened “initial exchanges” on potential offshore oil and gas exploration.