Just after the Chinese had completed their “scientific research” in Benham Rise or Philippine Rise, President Duterte ordered similar foreign endeavors in the area stopped and for new ones to secure permit from the national security adviser. “Let’s put it this way: he has caused the revocation of all licenses given to foreign entities to conduct scientific research in the Philippine Rise,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing yesterday. “Henceforth, all foreign companies that wish to conduct such scientific research must apply to the inter-agency and must get approval from the national security adviser. But all existing licenses are deemed revoked,” he said.

Mendez, C., Romero, P., Simeon, L. M., & Diaz, J. (2018, February 7). Foreigners barred from Phl Rise, unless with Pinoys. The Philippine Star, p. 6.