Binay urges gov’t to disclose details of research studies on Benham Rise

Binay said that the government should provide the Senate a list of all foreign, Filipino-led expeditions in the disputed ocean. (Photo: Nancy Binay/Facebook)

Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to publicize the details of the government’s transaction with China after it granted the request of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oceanology to conduct research at the Benham Rise.

“In the interest of transparency, it would be best for the DFA to share to the public the extent of the study, research and exploration of China in Benham Rise,” Binay said in a statement.

Binay said that the government should provide the Senate a list of all foreign, Filipino-led expeditions in the disputed ocean.

“And since it is the DFA which approves or disapproves scientific researches in both the West and East Philippine Seas, it is only appropriate if they could provide a list of all Filipino- and foreign-led expeditions in our waters since 2010,” she stressed.

Tindig Pilipinas member and Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano earlier revealed that the “Ke Xue Hao” Chinese vessel to be used for the marine scientific research in Benham Rise has entered the Philippine territory on January 23.

[READ: Chinese vessel for Benham research enters PH territory, says solon]

The lady Senator said she sees nothing wrong if the DFA would disclose information on the Philippine government’s transaction with China to assure that it does not undermine the country’s sovereignty.

“It’s best to know the extent of aid the government of China is willing to provide for this research. If it does not undermine the country’s sovereignty, then I don’t see anything wrong why the DFA cannot provide us with the details of the agreement between the Philippines and China,” she pointed out.

She stressed that the detail of the location, number of vessels, offshore platforms, area and period of coverage and members of the technical team is relatively important for the Senate to know and review the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAA) entered into by the Philippine government.

“While nothing legally hinders joint explorations, for years, it has always been an issue of policy whether or not government should allow foreign corporate interests or foreign governments to join the Philippines in exploring for resources,” Binay noted in her statement.

Binay added that the government needs to be “cautious” and “sparing” in giving approval for joint explorations and should prioritize the interest of the Filipino people.