Joint exploration between China and the Philippines of natural resources in the West Philippine Sea will be a constitutional exercise of sovereignty and “not surrender,” according to Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque. Roque said in a statement on Thursday that a mutual agreement between the two countries for the development of minerals, oil and other resources is allowed under the 1987 Constitution and international law. Roque cited Article XII Section 2 of the Constitution, which states that “the President may enter into agreements with foreign-owned corporations involving either technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration, development, and utilization of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils according to the general terms and conditions provided by law, based on real contributions to the economic growth and general welfare of the country.”

Yap, D. (2017, January 6). China-PH sea exploration not a surrender, says party-list lawmaker. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A6.