The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday acknowledged the suggestion of former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao to jointly yet legally explore oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea, although it deferred the conduct of its process to the Department of Energy (DOE).
While the Philippines did not object nor agree with the proposal, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said DFA "is guided by the Constitution" on the possible exploration as well as on development and utilization of natural resources located within the exclusive economic zone, continental shelf and jurisdiction of the Philippines.
So, DFA welcomed the appointments of former Chief Justices Artemio V. Panganiban and Reynato S. Puno as co-chairs of the DOE's Law and Energy Advisory Panel to guide the legal process moving forward, she added.
"The Department looks forward to working with the DOE on a way that is anchored in the Constitution and with the protection and promotion of Philippine national interests as the paramount consideration," Daza said.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Liu expressed hope that discussions on joint oil and gas exploration between China and the Philippines in the Philippine waters "will continue."
He also hoped that both countries "will demonstrate some kind of flexibility so that, without prejudicing each other's claims or their positions, cooperation could happen."