Ex-DFA chief Del Rosario backs China energy deal if it follows law

Former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, a fierce China critic, said he supports a possible joint exploration deal with Beijing in the West Philippine Sea as long as the country's laws are followed.

Del Rosario made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the lifting of the moratorium on oil exploration in the country's waters, including the Reed Bank, which China claims as part of its territory.

Duterte's decision, Del Rosario said, is "a constructive move."

"For as long as we pursue activities with China that is in accordance with Philippine law, this would be a step in the right direction towards a peaceful settlement of disputes," he said.

Del Rosario, who led the Philippines' arbitral tribunal victory against China in 2016, previously suggested a service contract arrangement, where a Chinese company participates either as an equity holder or a subcontractor.

This way, he said, the President "would remain faithful to the Constitution and the arbitral ruling."

The Philippines and China are currently hammering out a deal to explore energy resources in still undetermined areas off the western Philippines.

The Reed Bank, which is within the country's exclusive economic zone or EEZ as declared by an international tribunal, is said to be among the areas being considered for exploration and development.

The bank is vital to Philippine national interest as it is the only replacement for Malampaya, which supplies 40 percent of the energy requirement of Luzon.

Philippine officials have warned that Malampaya will run out of gas in less than 10 years unless the Philippines develops the Reed Bank. — DVM, GMA News