Legarda hails resumption of joint exploration talks between PH, China; 'dialogue, friendly relations are always welcome'

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Thursday, January 5 said dialogue and friendly relations with any country are always welcome news.

Legarda issued the statement after Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Marcos that China is ready to resume oil and gas exploration talks with the Philippines and handle maritime issues in a friendly and consultative manner.

"While such talks must be approached with open minds, they must be premised on the 2016 (United Nations) Arbitral Award validating our maritime rights, the rights of our fisherfolk and our benefits from our exclusive economic zone," Legarda, former chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee, said.

Legarda emphasized that there should be compensation for the marine resources damage wrought and clear respect for the findings and valuations established in the ruling.

"We must also check to see all the alternatives, other potential partnerships, if what is offered is really needed as well as consider the increasing role of China in the world stage," she added.

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito favored the proposed talks as long as it would be beneficial to both countries. However, he cautioned the Philippine government to be wary.

"Before we (the Senate) adjourned, China is always extending its hand to us, but its left hand is doing other thing," he said.

"They always say that we are friend, allies, but on the other hand they keep encroaching," he pointed out.

Ejercito said the reclamation project of China in the West Philippine Sea area is now a fully operational military base.

"Para sa akin (To me, they have to show sincerity first. Ako (I) personally find it very hard to trust the Chinese government," he added.

He said he is not angry at the Chinese people ‘’but it is just the Chinese government that we can’t trust.’’

"Parang di sila nagsasabi ng totoo (As if they are not truthful)," he added.

Ejercito stressed that China should respect Philippine sovereignty "which, to me, is number one."

He said the recent incident between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard over the recovered space debris "is an emotional foul" because it was a blatant case of bullying.

"Masyado na (that is too much), that is too blatant. I hope they respect the Hague ruling and if they are really our friend respect our territory," he said.

He cited the filing by the Philippine government of more than 400 diplomatic protests against Chinese actions but were not acted upon.

He also cited China’s harassment of Philippine supply ships.

'