MANILA, Philippines — The Stratbase Institute and Neri Colmenares on Monday rejected the Marcos administration’s plan to resume joint energy exploration talks with China in the West Philippine Sea, warning that such a move could undermine Philippine sovereignty amid the ongoing oil crisis.
In separate statements on April 6, the Stratbase Institute and Colmenares opposed negotiations with China, citing concerns over Beijing’s maritime actions and the potential impact on the Philippines’ sovereign rights under the 2016 arbitral award.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said in a March 24 interview that the energy crisis linked to the Middle East conflict could create an opportunity for Manila and Beijing to reach an agreement on joint oil and gas exploration.
Philippine and Chinese officials later held meetings in Quanzhou, where they conducted initial discussions on possible cooperation in energy development.
Stratbase President Dindo Manhit said China’s actions in Philippine waters raise doubts about its reliability as a partner. He said any agreement must comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling, which affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive rights within its exclusive economic zone.
The group added that any arrangement must ensure full Philippine ownership, control and supervision of natural resources and warned against agreements that could create ambiguity over these principles.
Colmenares also raised constitutional concerns, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that voided the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking. He said the Constitution requires that the exploration and development of natural resources remain under state control and primarily benefit Filipinos.
He warned that any agreement granting foreign entities operational control or influence could be unconstitutional.
Colmenares urged the government to disclose any proposed frameworks for public scrutiny.
The renewed discussions come as the Philippines faces rising fuel prices following the Middle East conflict. Marcos declared a national energy emergency on March 24 and signaled a possible shift in policy toward China.
Malacañang said the government would safeguard national interests in any negotiations, adding that no Philippine rights would be compromised.
