Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Wednesday exploration firms are free to decide whether or not to resume their oil exploration activities at Recto Bank following concerns that China might prohibit exploration activities in the area. “That is the decision they have to make, whether they want to do work or not,” Cusi commented when he was asked to comment that exploration firms, such as PXP Energy Corp., may not be allowed to resume exploration activities since the lifting of the moratorium was a unilateral move. “The lifting of the moratorium was a unilateral decision, based on what the country needs. That is the country’s territory. We gave instruction to resume work. They submitted a work plan. We are making them accountable. If they fail, we will take the necessary action,” said Cusi.

Lectura, L. (2020, November 5). Recto Bank exploration is call of oil players–Cusi. Business Mirror, p. A8.