The Philippines is ready with two joint oil and gas exploration agreements to be signed with China, its energy minister said on Wednesday and reiterated his position calling for the lifting of the ban on drilling works in a disputed area in South China Sea. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi made the statement ahead of the scheduled visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines later this month as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties. One of the deals involves an exploration project between state-owned Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Chinese state-owned CNOOC Ltd., located off Calamian in southwestern Palawan province, Cusi said in a news briefing.

2 energy exploration deals up for China signing – Cusi. (2018, November 9). Manila Bulletin, p. B-7.