PH signifies interest in talks with China on oil, gas development in WPS

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo faces the Commission on Appointments’ foreign affairs panel which deliberates his ad-interim appointment. Screengrab: Commission on Appointments YouTube

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has signified interest to China entering talks on the oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday said that the Philippines will be needing oil and gas, which currently have high costs, in the long run.

“We have already signified our interest to China entering into talks on how we can develop oil and gas,” Manalo said during the Commission on Appointments’ foreign affairs committee hearing.

“I think, in effect, we have talks with China before but they have not progressed. But we have still indicated… that Philippines is open to talks on oil and gas because we think we need to see how we can develop those resources, especially gas and oil, which especially nowadays, are in sore need and certainly the Philippines will need it not only for now, but for the long term,” he added.

Manalo, who is facing the panel for the confirmation of his ad-interim appointment, said that only China has been interested with the joint oil and gas exploration to date.

“If we’re talking about oil and gas in the South China Sea, we will try and see other partners. So far, we have not received any offers,” said Manalo when Senator Cynthia Villar asked what the government would do if the sought deal with China does not prosper.

“It seems that China is the one that’s mainly interested in dealing with us. So, we’re trying to catch on to that. As I said, we are interested and we’re just waiting for China now to make an approach to us,” he continued.

Manalo, meanwhile, assured the lawmakers that the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to ensure the safety of fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

“Certainly, there’s a commitment for us to help our fishermen. Of course, it’s not only Department of Foreign Affairs but we will try and coordinate with the other agencies to ensure that our fishermen’s livelihood is increased and maintained,” the secretary said.

Last June, the Philippines ended its talks for joint oil and gas search with China in the West Philippine Sea pursuant to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s order.

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JPV