Malacañang found nothing illegal with President Duterte’s proposed 60-40 sharing arrangement with China on the planned exploration of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 102nd Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Mason in the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on April 26, 2018. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque affirmed that the President is allowed to pursue such exploration deal with China, citing a 2004 Supreme Court (SC) decision related to the government’s share in mineral resource exploration. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque affirmed that the President is allowed to pursue such exploration deal with China, citing a 2004 Supreme Court (SC) decision related to the government’s share in mineral resource exploration.

Kabiling, G. (2018, May 2). 60-40 sharing with China, not illegal-Palace. Manila Bulletin, p. 3.