President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of a 60-40 percent joint exploration deal with China is tantamount to treason, a lawmaker said Sunday. Rep. Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list issued the statement in light of Duterte’s comments that a 60-40 deal is better for the country. Under the 1987 Constitution, the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources should be under the full control and supervision of the Philippine government. The 1987 Charter allows the Philippine government to enter into a co-production, joint venture, or production-sharing agreements, but only with private companies 60 percent owned by Filipino citizens.

Panti, L. T. (2018, April 30). ‘60-40 sea deal with China illegal’. The Manila Times, p. A2.