Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo yesterday said China has sent word recognizing Philippine sovereignty over the 13-million hectare Benham Rise and it is not going to claim ownership of the undersea region off the coast of eastern Luzon. China has yet to officially respond to the DFA’s note verbale regarding the sighting of its research vessel in the area last year, but Beijing has informed the Philippines it recognizes Philippine sovereign rights over Benham Rise. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Ruffy Biazon (PDP-Laban, Muntinlupa), senior vice chairman of House committee on defense and security, sought legislative inquiries into Philippine policy on maritime territory, responding to what appeared to be confusion by President Duterte about which sea Manila had accused China of illegally surveying.

Hachero, A., Lopez, J., & Vigilia, W. (2017, March 16). China recognizes PH rights over Benham Rise. Malaya Business Insight, pp. B1, B6.