(Eagle News) — Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday, Nov. 21, said the agreement for oil and gas development cooperation inked between China and the Philippines could have an effect on the two countries’ claims in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, Escudero said this was because the pact, if entered into by the governments themselves, could have an “effect” on the arbitral ruling that nullified the excessive claims of China over the sea in the first place.
Escudero noted that the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) during the administration of then-President Benigno Aquino III, was entered into by private companies from China and the Philippines, among others.
“Noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Arroyo ang ginawa nila ay ito: Nagtayo sila ng hiwalay na kumpanyang pribado sa China at dito, at hinayaan nila yung dalawang pribadong kompanyang iyon ang magkasundo kaugnay sa joint exploration. Hindi ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas at gobyerno ng China ang pumasok sa kasunduang iyon,” he said.
In any case, he said details about the recently signed pact–and the other pacts inked by China and the Philippines for that matter—should be released before anyone can draw conclusions.
“Doon pa lamang at pagkatapos pa lamang siguro noon pwedeng mag-komentaryo ang sinuman kung tama nga ba ito at kung sang-ayon ba sila o hindi,” Escudero said.
Apart from the pact on joint oil and gas development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the signing of 29 agreements during the former’s two-day state visit in the country.
