Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV wants the Senate to investigate a supposed agreement between President Duterte and Chinese officials allowing Chinese vessels to go to Benham Rise, a 13-million hectare, resource-rich underwater landmass off the coast of Aurora province. In the House of Representatives, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said he would file a resolution for an inquiry into the government’s “strategic direction in securing Philippine interests on its eastern seaboard.” Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, for his part, said Mr. Duterte might have committed treason if he had allowed China to survey Benham Rise.

Avendaño, C., Dizon, N., & Salaverria, L. (2017, March 16). Investigate Duterte-China deal on Benham Rise, Congress urged. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A6.