In response to former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio’s statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the government is already exercising its right to build structures within its exclusive economic zone or EEZ in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “With due respect to Justice Carpio, I think that is exactly what the government did when, in October last year, we lifted the moratorium and ordered the resumption of petroleum activities in several license areas that have been dormant for many years,” Cusi explained.

Lao, J. (2021, May 10). EEZ being developed, Cusi says. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A6.