As the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and 11th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea convened last week, the Philippines and China resurfaced talks with regards to oil and gas exploration, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
These talks recoiled due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, while also tackling current global uncertainties and acknowledging the relevance of stable access to renewable and clean energy.
During the talks, the DFA reaffirmed its commitment to uphold bilateral issues while continuing to highlight the nation’s interests, while also looking towards cooperation and mutual support between both nations
“Both sides continued to make progress on practical measures that were consistent with Philippine law and policy to increase confidence in the maritime domain, including coast guard-to-coast guard communication, ocean meteorology, and initial exchanges on potential oil and gas cooperation,” the DFA stated.
Committing suicide?
Despite these efforts, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio claimed that the Philippines would be committing suicide if the country accepted the original memorandum of understanding that was created by China during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Carpio stated that the joint exploration would be possible if the involved countries followed the reference crafted by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
In addition, Carpio gave a "thumbs up" to the provisions specified by the original memorandum of understanding, such as ‘China shall participate under the service contract system of the Philippines,’ which implied that the oil and gas reserves would be owned by the Philippines.
"Another provision says the contract should be governed by Philippine laws. If those were the elements of the joint exploration... that would be OK," he said.
Moreover, Carpio shared that if the Philippines accepted the terms set by China, it would mean that the nation ceded to China's claim to the oil and gas collected from the joint development.
"That would be committing suicide. The Philippines would be committing suicide if we accepted that condition," he warned.
It was noted that Carpio advocated for the exploration in the Reed Bank located in Palawan, which he claimed was rich with oil and gas resources, as part of the solution to Malampaya’s depletion.
Not a reliable partner
In an interview, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned the government that China was not a ‘reliable partner’ due to cases of abuse in the West Philippine Sea.
While diplomacy remained under the DFA’s mandate, AFP warned officials with regards to the concerns faced in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the potential aggression relative to territorial claims.
“Historically, we have observed a difference in the way they speak and their actions on the ground. These are facts which were recorded,” Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), stated.
Despite setbacks, the AFP continued to safeguard the areas concerned, establishing monitoring operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Written by John Paul Siapel, Insight PH
John Paul Siapel, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
