The Department of Energy (DOE) said Philex Petroleum Corp. has sent a formal request to allow it to resume exploration at the West Philippine Sea, but the agency said moratorium on all drilling and exploration works stays. This despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China has no historic title over the territory. Philex Petroleum is among the most affected by the China-Philippines territorial dispute as all exploration works near the West Philippine Sea are suspended effective from the end of its first sub-phase on December 27, 2015 until such time DOE notifies the company to resume petroleum-related activities.

DOE: Exploration at West PH Sea still on hold. (2016, July 22). Malaya Business Insight, p. A3.