Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to be cautious on the planned discussions with China on a possible joint oil and gas exploration effort in the West Philippine Sea, warning that an agreement could lead to increased Chinese presence in the territory.
Tolentino, the vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said this after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said that the Philippines and China are set to“Baka kunyari lang ito na may joint exploration tapos sila na pala 'yung nandun. Nakapasok na dun lahat under the guise… Baka lalong dumami kasi ang sasabihin nila, ‘Meron kaming karapatan ngayon na mag-drill, mag-conduct ng scientific marine research,’” he said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
The lawmaker also said the Senate should be involved in the discussion between the two countries as this may be an extension of our foreign policy.would be guided by the ConstitutionTolentino, however, stressed that the discussion should also recognize the 2016 arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines, and the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“Subalit, kung magagawan ng paraan ng DFA na ito ay magko-comply sa ating Saligang Batas, tayo ang may kontrol, tayo ang magsu-supervise, at 'yung 60-40 na nakalagay sa Saligang Batas na mga korporasyon ay masusunod, palagay ko pwede pa ring idagdag kung ano mang agreement whereas both parties will undertake to explore minerals and resources within the Philippine EEZ. Maganda 'yung kasi nire-recognize na 'yung arbitral ruling,” he continued.
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