Palace appeals for unity in resolving West PH Sea woes

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. ( YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

Amid recent talks on possible joint exploration in Service Contracts (SC) 57 and 72, Malacañang on Wednesday, March 7, appealed for the public to unify to resolve the issues hounding the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing held in Palawan, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte will not surrender even a tiny part of the country’s territory to anyone.

“The President considers the West Philippine Sea and all the islands that we are currently occupying and lay claim to as part of the province of Palawan, with the exception, of course, of Scarborough which forms part of the province of Zambales,” Roque said.

“The President has said that he will not surrender a single inch of Philippine territory to foreigners,” he added.

Duterte earlier drew flak after he announced that he welcomed China’s proposal of joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea. The President said that this exploration can be likened to “co-ownership” as it will be conducted by both the Philippines and China.

Meanwhile, the Palace official said “We appeal to the critics, we have to be united on this issue. Please do not claim to have the monopoly of upholding the national interest.”

He added that the Chief Executive has been consistent that he is willing to risk his life for the country’s territory, but he will not risk even a single life “for an issue that can be resolved on the basis of friendly relations.”

PH is in control

On March 5, the government said that it will be in control in case the joint exploration with China in SC 57 materializes.

“Well they can participate in explorations and exploitation provided, as the decision says we have ultimate control over the exploration and the development,” Roque said on Monday.

Citing a part of the digest—the rationale of the Court in the Case of La Bugal versus Ramos, the spokesman said that the state must exercise “full control and supervision over the exploration, development and utilizations of natural resources.”

However, Roque stressed that the case of SC 57 is different from SC 72.

“They will absolutely be subject to Philippine Law, if it is 57. As to 72, the agreement on joint exploration will be governed by international law, because there has to be a treaty to be signed between the Philippines and China first on the joint exploration before it can be implemented by juridical entities of the contracting states,” he said.

The Palace official also mentioned various joint explorations of other countries, saying that these explorations are not new.