Tindig Pilipinas member and Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano revealed on Tuesday that the “Ke Xue Hao” Chinese vessel to be used for the marine scientific research in Benham Rise has entered the Philippine territory.
Alejano, who is a former marine soldier, said that the Ke Xue Hao research vessel of China was located northeast of Palanan, Isabela since January 23.
“China’s research vessel entered Philippine territory on January 22, two days early from the granted duration of the MSR, which starts on January 24 and ends on February 25,” Alejano said in a statement.
Alejano urged that the government should track the activities carried out by the said Chinese vessel.
“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. In particular, we should be wary on the sharing of information that will be culled from the said expedition,” Alejano said.
“In fact, there have already been expeditions in the area conducted by Filipinos to support our claim in Benham Rise before it was awarded to us in 2012. What they need now in order to explore Benham further is more support from the government instead of demeaning remarks,” he added.
Alejano pointed out the non-allocation of funding for a research facility in Benham Rise that was proposed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the budget deliberations last year.
He also responded to the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque that the Filipinos do not have the potential or financial means to conduct the research in the Philippine Rise for it is too costly for an all-Filipino team.
He refuted that “it is not because our scientists do not have the ability to conduct research. It is because the government does not allot sufficiently for it.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has earlier granted the request of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oceanology to conduct research at the Benham Rise.
“This administration has shown no interest and support on strengthening our presence in Benham. Thus, it has no ascendancy to say that Filipinos cannot conduct research in the area given its lack of support,” he said.
Meanwhile, maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal said that Roque’s claim that Filipinos cannot afford to explore Benham Rise is “completely wrong,” “based on ignorance,” and a “serious disservice” to Filipinos.
Batongbacal said that the statement of Malacañang is meant to “disempower” Filipinos and their capability as a people. He added Philippines is “not a nation of beggars for small change, even if it is from a country as a big and rich as China.”