Sen. Win Gatchalian stressed that both the Philippines and China should show sincerity in discussions on joint oil and gas exploration in disputed waters in the South China Sea.
The senator made the statement during an ambush interview with Senate media following remarks from the Chinese Embassy in Manila that China and the Philippines are engaged in what it described as “in-depth discussions” on joint oil and gas development. The embassy said the issue would remain open if the Philippines demonstrates sincerity in the talks.
Gatchalian responded that sincerity should not come from only one side, emphasizing that China must also show the same level of commitment in the negotiations.
He noted that plans for joint oil exploration between the two countries are not new. According to the senator, the matter was already being discussed during the Duterte administration when he was serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy.
However, the proposal did not proceed at that time due to unresolved issues, particularly regarding which country’s laws would apply to the joint exploration activities.
Gatchalian said the question of whether Philippine or Chinese law would govern operations was among the key concerns that prevented the earlier plan from moving forward.
Despite the past challenges, the senator expressed hope that the country could find a workable formula that would allow joint exploration without compromising the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea.
He added that any future arrangement should ensure that national interests are protected while allowing the country to explore potential energy resources.
