MANILA, Philippines — The resumption of oil exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in support of a 2018 agreement with China to develop resources in the disputed waters, should pass “highest standards of patriotism,” the country’s top diplomat said Saturday.
Due to the maritime row with China, the Department of Energy under the Aquino administration declared a force majeure—the moratorium of activities—in the disputed areas as early as December 2014.
“This must go viral. That finger in that glove symbolizes what I will do to any Oil & Gas development project proponent that doesn’t pass my Oil & Gas MOU’s strictest highest standards of patriotism. But it will be a gloved fist without KY lubricant. Just sand,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. said in a tweet.
This must go viral. That finger in that glove symbolizes what I will do to any Oil & Gas development project proponent that doesn’t pass my Oil & Gas MOU’s strictest highest standards of patriotism. But it will be a gloved fist without KY lubricant. Just sand. https://t.co/521HE06WjL
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 17, 2020
Energy Chief Alfonso Cusi said the lifting of a moratorium on the oil exploration in the disputed waters also gives the opportunity to hire Filipino engineers and other technical workers to resume the exploration.