Lacson on Duterte order vs foreign Benham research: Late but still a good move

Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

A “bit late” but a “good move just the same,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said of President Rodrigo Duterte’s reported order to stop all marine explorations by foreign scientists in the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise.

“It may have come a bit late but it is a good move just the same,” Lacson said in a text message on Tuesday.

“Whatever technical information so far gathered by any foreign entity that conducted research in Benham Rise should at the very least be shared to the Philippine government,” he said.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, in a Facebook post, revealed that Duterte made the order during their Cabinet meeting in Malacañang  on Monday.

“President Rody Duterte last night ordered the cessation of all marine explorations and studies by foreign scientists and directed the Philippine Navy to ‘chase out’ any vessel fishing or conducting [research],” Piñol said.

“Let me be very clear about this: the Philippine Rise is ours and any insinuation that it is open to everybody should end with this declaration,” he added, quoting Duterte. /je

READ: Duterte orders stop to all foreign research in Benham — Piñol