MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines would push through with the joint oil exploration deal with China, Malacañang said Monday, despite Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s call that Beijing must first recognize Manila’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea before proceeding with the deal.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Robredo was again “divorced from reality” with her recent statement.
In an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel, Robredo said Manila’s basic demand before entering a joint deal with Beijing is for the Asian superpower to recognize our ownership and sovereignty in the West Philippines Sea.
READ: Robredo: China must recognize Philippines’ sovereignty over WPS before joint oil deal
The Philippines and China have been locked in a long-standing maritime dispute over Beijing’s expansive claims in almost all of the South China Sea.
“She is entitled to her opinion, “ Panelo said in a press briefing.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes ESperon Jr. earlier said that 60-40 sharing scheme in favor of the Philippines would be “fair” enough since China would spend for the exploration.
“As far as the President is concerned, this country, we will move with respect to our foreign policy on the basis of whether it is to our interest and whether or not it will boost the development, leading to the progress of this land,” Panelo said.