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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Padilla reacts to resumption of PH-China talks for joint exploration in WPS

Padilla reacts to resumption of PH-China talks for joint exploration in WPS

Published Apr 13, 2023 02:16 am
Senator Robin Padilla (MANILA BULLETIN)
Senator Robinhood Padilla on Thursday, April 13, said he was heartened over the planned resumption of talks this May between the Philippines and China for oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). ‘’This jibes with my Senate Resolution (SR) No. 9 and a privilege speech to seek the executive department’s attention and prompt action on the matter,’’ Padilla, chairman of the Senate Constitutional Amendments Committee, stressed. ‘’Although we did not get a positive response from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) when we first asked it on the matter in an earlier hearing, I believe the latest development as reported by the DFA is a very good step,’’ Padilla said. ‘’On the other hand, we have seen again and again the limitations in our present Constitution that keep us from achieving a satisfactory agreement,’’ he added. One of the reported stumbling blocks of the joint oil and gas exploration talks was the constitutional 60-40 investment sharing where the Philippine share is 60 percent. Another stumbling block, according to Padilla, is the decision of the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) last January to rule as unconstitutional the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking of Philippine, Vietnam, and Chinese companies. ‘’For so many times, the limitations in our Constitution have been an issue in discussions on oil and gas exploration. Thus, with the upcoming resumption of the talks, does this mean our DFA is open to amending outdated economic provisions of our Charter, particularly Sec. II, Art. XII that states the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State?" he asked. Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had said that the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution were ‘’antiquated". Enrile supported Padilla’s resolution that the Senate and the House of Representatives should be constituted  into a Constituent Assembly (con-ass) to amend the Charter. Padilla maintained that there is no time to lose. ‘’Filipinos have long felt the effects of a shortage of oil: joblessness, lack of sufficient income, and rising transport costs and prices of basic goods,’’ he pointed out. ‘’Because of these, I am one with those hoping for the success of the discussions, as well as a solution between the Philippines and China to end the suffering of ordinary Filipinos,’’ he added.

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