Malacañang said that the Philippines has always been “sincere” in its engagements with China, amid renewed discussions on possible joint oil and gas exploration.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Beijing is willing to pursue joint development, provided the Philippines demonstrates sincerity in negotiations.

In her press briefing, Castro said the country’s position has consistently been transparent and in good faith, particularly under President Marcos.

“Unang-una po, hindi po kailan man naging hindi sincere ang bansang Pilipinas (First of all, the Philippines has never been insincere),” she said Thursday, March 26.

“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon, sa lahat ng okasyon, ang Pilipinas ay laging sincere sa pakikipag-usap, pakikipagnegosasyon lalong-lalo na sa pamumuno po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. (At all times and on all occasions, the Philippines has always been sincere in dialogue and negotiations, especially under the leadership of President Marcos Jr.),” she added.

Castro emphasized that the President does not enter into undisclosed agreements.

“Wala po siyang secret deal (He has no secret deal),” she said.

She added that any potential agreement would be pursued only if it benefits the country.

“So, kung anuman po ang maaaring idulot ng anumang negosasyon, at ito ay magiging maganda para sa Pilipinas, iyan naman po ay hindi tututulan ng Pangulo (Whatever may come out of any negotiation, if it will be good for the Philippines, the President will not oppose it),” Castro said.

Castro said the Philippines remains open to the possibility of joint oil and gas exploration with China, despite ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Citing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Castro said there is currently no joint exploration agreement in place.

“Sa ngayon po ay wala pa pong joint exploration with China pero hindi naman ibig sabihin na hindi magkakaroon (For now, there is no joint exploration with China, but that does not mean it will not happen),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer noted that the government continues to explore options that would help secure the country’s energy needs while safeguarding national interests.

In a Bloomberg interview, President Marcos said changes in relations with China are already taking place as he signaled openness to joint gas development with Beijing despite ongoing territorial disputes.

According to the President, the Philippines has long been in talks with China on possible joint development of gas resources in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

“That’s something that we’ve been talking about for a great deal,” he said.

“But the territorial disputes will get in the way of that,” he added.

Marcos said the current global situation could push both sides to find common ground.