The government should not underestimate the capacity of Filipinos to conduct research in Benham Rise, according to Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. Sen. Nancy Binay, on the other hand, called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to disclose the dealings with China to survey the region. “Huwag nating maliitin ang kakayahan ng mga Pinoy scientists na magsagawa ng pananaliksik sa Benham Rise. Hindi natin kailangan ang China para gawin ito,” said Aquino.

Golez, P. (2018, January 27). Palace hit for allowing China into Benham Rise. Panay News, pp. 6, 14.