The Department of Energy said Wednesday it is prepared to take steps to protect the rights of service contract holders and preserve the country’s resources in the West Philippine Sea. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the department would stand firmly behind any decision and action of President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the assertion of the exclusive licensing authority of the Philippines over petroleum and other resources in the seabed and subsoil of the West Philippine Sea. Cusi issued the statement to support the President’s statement on the defense of the resources of the Philippine seabed and subsoil in accordance with the Constitution and petroleum laws.

Flores, A. M. S. (2021, April 22). DOE vows to safeguard oil and gas resources in WPS. Manila Standard, p. B4.