NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has asked Malacanang to rethink the suspension of oil exploration activity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The announcement came after PXP Energy Corp. was told to halt exploratory efforts in its WPS service contracts until it receives clearance from the Security, Justice, and Peace Coordinating Council (SJPCC), a government body that oversees political, diplomatic, and national security issues.

In an online press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said, “The DOE is still waiting for the verdict on its requests for reconsideration.”

PXP Energy’s exploratory efforts for Service Contracts 72 and 75, two sites off the coast of Palawan province, were suspended by the DOE on April 6 pending clearance by the SJPCC.

Given the “political, diplomatic, and national security ramifications of any action” in the strategic waters, SJPCC approval is required before any oil exploration in WPS.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, maritime specialist Jay Batongbacal claimed the Philippines is “losing” after the DOE ordered the suspension of exploratory activity.

“China is genuinely out to prohibit any petroleum exploration and development by the Philippines within its own waters,” Batongbacal said of the move.

The oil search has been postponed, according to Andanar, in accordance with the SJPCC’s decision.

“The survey was put on hold due to a decision by the Cabinet’s Security, Justice, and Peace [Coordinating] Cluster or SJPC[C],” he explained.

Nonetheless, Andanar stated that the DOE had already requested the prompt restart of activities to explore and develop WPS resources.

He also mentioned the DOE’s claim that a WPS geographic survey is a “completely legitimate operation.”

“The DOE has already requested that the SJPC rethink its judgment and allow the survey to begin immediately. “The DOE requested reconsideration on the grounds that a geophysical survey is a completely permissible action in any contested territory under international law,” Andanar added.

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