Following the termination of negotiations for the planned joint exploration between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, a senior member of Congress wants the Department of Energy (DOE) to lift the suspension of gas and oil drilling activities in Recto Bank. “The DOE put off the drilling activities in deference to the negotiations. Now that the talks have been terminated, the department should withdraw its suspension order,” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, chairperson of the House strategic intelligence committee, said in a statement on Sunday.

Gov't urged to lift suspension of Recto Bank drilling activities. (2022, June 29). Daily Guardian, p. 7.