MANILA — Malacañang on Friday firmly denied allegations of undisclosed agreements between the Philippines and China on joint oil and gas exploration, asserting that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration has conducted all negotiations with transparencyamid renewed geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Communications Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro issued the clarification following statements from China stressing the “need for sincerity” in advancing joint energy development talks in the South China Sea.
“Unang-una po, hindi po kailanman naging hindi sincereang bansang Pilipinas,” Castro said.
“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon, sa lahat ng okasyon, ang Pilipinas ay laging sinceresa pakikipag-usap, pakikipagnegosasyon lalung-lalo na sa pamumuno po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she said. “Wala po siyang secret deal.”
Castro underscored that the Marcos administration has maintained an open and aboveboard approach in its dealings, even as discussions on potential joint exploration with Beijing regain attention.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines earlier reiterated its willingness to resume talks, emphasizing cooperation as key to regional stability.
“Setting aside differences and pursuing joint development is the right path to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and deliver benefits to countries in the region and their peoples,” the embassy said.
“China and the Philippines have conducted in-depth discussions on joint oil and gas development in disputed waters in the South China Sea and have made positive progress,” it added.
“As long as the Philippine side demonstrates sincerity, China’s door to dialogue and cooperation will remain open.”
The issue resurfaced after President Marcos acknowledged earlier this week that reviving joint exploration projects with China remains challenging due to persistent tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine government has repeatedly lodged diplomatic protests over what it described as illegal incursions and aggressive actions by Chinese vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
China, however, continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its expansive claims in the South China Sea./PN
