The framework for the proposed joint exploration hunt for oil and gas deposits with China in the West Philippine Sea will not be “harmful” to the country’s territorial and sovereign rights, Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano assured the public.
“We are working hard, and we assure our people that it will be something that will be totally beneficial to all the Filipinos,” Cayetano said as he graced the opening of an entertainment convention in Pasay City over the weekend.
“It will not be harmful in any way to our territorial and sovereign rights,” he added.
In a press briefing last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs chief said President Rodrigo Duterte has already approved the creation of a legal team to study the legalities of the expected exploration.
The working group for the Philippines-China deal will be composed of experts from the Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Office of the Solicitor General, various oil and gas experts, constitutional law authorities, and professionals knowledgeable in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“As soon as both sides send their working groups, at least we can talk. I’m not sure if we can agree, but at least we can start talking,” said Cayetano, emphasizing the need to put up an acceptable framework for both countries.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said Thursday it expects the framework to be ready before Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Manila in November.
“The President has repeatedly said that he is open to joint exploration. Number one, because the Supreme Court said it’s constitutional in [the case of] La Bugal; and number two, because it is pursuant to the national interest. But he will not give up even an inch of Philippine territory. That’s our stand,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.