MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said any agreement on oil and gas exploration with China or any other foreign government would be made in line with the Philippine Constitution.
"Any decision to pursue, structure, or conclude an agreement on oil and gas cooperation, with China or any other foreign government, will be made solely in accordance with the Philippine Constitution," the DFA said in a statement.
The Philippines "possesses sovereign rights over the natural resources within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, "including any oil and gas deposits that may be found therein," the department said.
"It is an exercise of this sovereignty that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amid global energy uncertainties and consistent with the declaration of a National Energy Emergency, has underscored the need for the country to explore all lawful and viable options to attain energy security and ensure affordable and stable energy supply for the national economy and the Filipino people," it added.
The DFA said it was the directive of the President "to maintain open lines of communication and utilize diplomacy in engaging with China, including on energy matters."
It vowed to "continue to work with relevant national government agencies to ensure that any oil and gas cooperation arrangement is anchored in the primacy of Philippine sovereignty."
It would "continue to promote adherence to international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the centrality of Philippine sovereign authority in matters related to the country's natural resources and maritime entitlements."
