Senate President Tito Sotto expressed hope that the Marcos administration will implement a previously proposed joint exploration agreement between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
Sotto said the proposal for a PH-China joint exploration was first discussed during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. According to the Senate leader, the idea was raised together with former senator Gringo Honasan and Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson.
He said the proposal had been accepted by Malacañang at the time, but no action was ultimately taken to carry it out.
When asked whether he plans to raise the proposal again with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sotto said it is possible that he will request a meeting with the President. However, he clarified that he intends to discuss the matter first with his group before formally bringing it to the Chief Executive.
Earlier, Lacson also expressed support for the proposed joint exploration, but emphasized that it must comply with the Constitution. He specifically cited the requirement under Philippine law that foreign ownership in such ventures should follow the 60-40 provision in favor of Filipino ownership.
The West Philippine Sea has remained a sensitive issue in Philippine foreign policy and national resource management. Proposals involving joint exploration have drawn attention due to constitutional requirements and sovereignty considerations.
Sotto’s remarks signal renewed interest in revisiting earlier discussions on resource exploration cooperation involving China, although no formal meeting with the President has yet been confirmed.
