The framework for the proposed joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea is expected to be ready before Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Manila in November, the Palace said Thursday. “The President has repeatedly said that he is open to joint exploration. Number one, because the Supreme Court said it’s constitutional in [the case of] La Bugal; and number two, because it is pursuant to the national interest. But he will not give up even an inch of Philippine territory. That’s our stand,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque. “We are working with the realities of modern day life. We are working with the realities of geopolitics. But we are promoting the national interest first and foremost,” he said.

Mariano, N. (2018, August 10). PH, China work on framework of joint oil hunt. Manila Standard, p. A2.