Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez threw yesterday his full support to the Philippine government’s efforts to seriously study its possible joint partnership with China in the exploration of natural resources in the West Philippine Sea (WPS or South China Sea). He expressed confidence that President Duterte, as chief architect of the country’s foreign policy, would ensure that the proposed Beijing-Manila joint venture would be mutually beneficial and would further promote the national interest. Sta. Romana said the proposed joint exploration may be timely, citing nearing depletion of the energy supply from the Malampaya gas fields. He said the government wants to know the available natural resources that could be extracted from the West Philippine Sea.

Luci, C. M. (2017, January 4). Speaker favors joint sea exploration: China interest in WPS gains key support in PH Congress. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 4.