House's Makabayan bloc seeks probe into DFA approval of China's study in Benham Rise

Progressive lawmakers from the House of Representatives have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs on China's marine study in Benham Rise.

In House Resolution 1623, the seven-member Makabayan bloc urged the House committee on foreign affairs to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the project.

The resolution mentioned the apprehension of several individuals and groups on the project as it appears to be repeating China's "modus operandi" in 2005 under the Arroyo administration's Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) that "jeopardize our claims in the Recto Reed Bank."

"As China was able to discover the location of rich marine resources in the area (Recto Reed Bank) because of information gathered through the JMSU which they did not share with the Philippines. Groups contend that China only gave us uselessly blurred pictures of the area," the resolution read.

"China is now very zealous in taking over these rich natural gas deposits as evidenced by its aggressive stance in the area even constructing islands and placing missile systems to control the area," it added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said that conducting a marine research in Benham Rise is "capital expensive" for an all-Filipino team to do.

Roque, however, clarified that Filipino groups do not need to get the government's approval to conduct research in the undersea region.

The Makabayan bloc's resolution cited several research studies and papers that have been conducted by various government agencies before.

"Contrary to the claims of the current administration, the Philippines does not have to rely on China to study the Philippine Rise.  However, any joint exploration with China must protect the interest of the Filipino people and should contribute to the country’s economic development," it read.

"It must also recognize our territorial integrity, sovereign rights and sovereignty over our established claims and territory. There must be no repeat of the highly unequal JMSU," it added.

Authors of the resolution include Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate, ACT Teachers party-list Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela Women's Party Representatives Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Anakpawis party-list Representative Ariel Casilao and Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago. —ALG, GMA News