The Department of Energy (DoE) said that joint exploration with China will be pursued but it will also bid out service contracts for other areas in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) considered within Philippine territory. Almost a year after the resumption of oil exploration activities in WPS, the Philippines and China have yet to reach substantial agreement on the proposed joint exploration in the resource-rich area. Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the Philippines will pursue its own exploration activity, especially amid the looming depletion of the Malampaya natural gas field.

Romero, M. (2021, August 16). Gov't proceeds with WPS deals. Daily Tribune, p. B9.