Philippine special envoy Jose de Venecia Jr. on Sunday called for joint exploration and development in the Spratly Islands as lawmakers at home cautioned the administration of President Duterte against entering into such “megadeals” with China, as these might compromise Manila’s stake in the maritime dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. De Venecia highlighted the possible economic benefits of a joint exploration for oil and other resources in the Spratlys, a group of more than 100 islets, reefs and atolls in the middle of the South China Sea. The study showed “promising” signs, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives told delegates from 30 countries, including heads of state, and representatives from international organizations attending the conference in Beijing.

Canivel, R. S. C., & Yap, D. (2017, May 2017). De Venecia calls for PH-China-Vietnam exploration, development in Spratlys. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A14.