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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tolentino: Philippine's energy security is hinged on developing WPS, Talampas ng Pilipinas

Tolentino: Philippine's energy security is hinged on developing WPS, Talampas ng Pilipinas

Published Apr 21, 2025 07:20 am

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said he believes developing the untapped energy resources in the West Philippine Sea and the Talampas ng Pilipinas will help resolve the country’s long-standing struggles with expensive gasoline and power.

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Sen. Francis Tolentino 


 

With this, Tolentino said that the scientific exploration and surveying of the WPS must continue.


 

“Tapping the oil and natural gas deposits in WPS and Talampas holds the key to our country's energy security and less reliance on the global market,” said Tolentino, who is seeking reelection in the upcoming May 2025 elections.


 

The senator reiterated this proposal following the WPS’ recent recognition by global mapping service Google Maps which is a victory for the country.


 

“The recognition of WPS by Google Maps is an affirmation of the correctness of our country's efforts, including the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which I authored,” he noted.


 

“This measure is a geopolitical assertion to an area that is really ours, and it gives us further legitimacy to scientifically explore the potentials of the said area,” he stressed.


 

At the same time, the lawmaker expressed hope Talampas ng Pilipinas will finally be recognized by Google Maps.


 

Currently, Google Maps and other international organization recognizes it is still as Benham Rise.


 

Tolentino said he has formally written the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requesting the recognition by the global aviation industry of both WPS and Talampas ng Pilipinas.


 

At the same time, he also expressed support to proposals seeking to empower the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to act against predatory pricing in the electric power industry on behalf of consumers, and integrating renewable sources in the country's energy mix.


 

“The country is blessed with a bounty of renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal,” he said.


 

“There should be less dependence on coal and more towards indigenous sources, including those that we could harness from the West Philippine Sea and Talampas ng Pilipinas,” the reelectionist senator emphasized.


 


 

Related Tags

Talampas ng Pilipinas francis tol Tolentino West Philippine Sea (WPS) Matalinong boto 2025 energy security PH energy
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