The Philippines is finding ways to explore for oil and gas in the South China Sea even without a deal with China, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday, adding that the country has the right to exploit energy reserves in the contested waterway. In August, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Manila was open to new talks with China on oil and gas exploration, but said any deal must comply with Philippine laws. But on Friday, the President said the Philippines could veer away from government-to-government discussions in favor of partnerships with private companies.

Barcelo, V. (2022, December 2). China sea claim nips oil deal. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.