The senate on Monday will open its inquiry on the issues hounding Philippine Rise or Benham Rise, especially on foreign and local scientific research as well as national security concerns on the continental shelf. The Senate committee on science and technology, chaired by Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, has invited Filipino scientists and military experts on these matters.“Let us hear the side of our scientists, researchers and experts….We want to know from the experts the extent of the Philippines’ natural resources in Benham Rise and what are the threats from China here. We would also tackle the funding and assistance for our local research programs,” Mr. Aquino said in a statement. The senator added that local scientists would present their research findings on the 13-million hectare (ha) underwater plateau while national security officials would shed light on the research conducted recently by China on Benham Rise and on other issues surrounding the Philippine territory.

Aguinaldo, C. A. (2018, February 26). Senate opens inquiry on Philippine Rise. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.