President Rodrigo Duterte wants to rename Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise” in a bid to assert the country’s ownership of the mineral-rich underwater landmass 250 kilometers east of Luzon. Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Executive Secretary to look into the possibility of changing the name of Benham Rise “to emphasize Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the area.” Following a joint command conference with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday, Duterte said China has assured him that they will not claim Benham Rise as part of their territory.

Bencito, J. P. (2017, April 2). Benham Rise out, 'Philippine Rise' in. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.