China’s research vessel Ke Xue Hao has already arrived in the Philippine eastern coastline to begin its marine scientific research (MSR) in the Benham Rise, Magdalo Party-List Representative Gary Alejano said.
Alejano on Tuesday said in a statement that according to his sources, China’s research vessel entered Philippine territory on January 23 and was located northeast of Palanan, Isabela.
He added that its arrival is two days earlier from the approved duration of its exploration, which starts on January 24 and ends on February 25.
The lawmaker also called on the government to ensure that China will not break the conditions imposed by the Philippines.
“What we should make sure now is the compliance of China to all the requirements demanded by the Philippine government as conditions to the permit issued,” stressing that Filipinos “should be wary on the sharing of information that will be culled from the said expedition and that Filipino scientists on board should be given equal access to all results of the research activity.”
The Philippines allowing China to conduct research in the Benham Rise drew numerous criticisms, but Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the administration’s decision, saying that apart from China, “no one has applied and no one can do it because, apparently, it’s capital intensive.”
It can be recalled that Alejano was also the first to disclose the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) decision to involve China in the Benham Rise research.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 1/24/18)