Cusi: Exploration in WPS will not compromise sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the exploration works in West Philippine Sea would not compromise the country’s sovereignty as it looks to find partners –including China – in exploiting resources in the disputed waters.

In a statement, Cusi said the Department of Energy (DOE) is working together with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) so that exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea could finally proceed.

In updating the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (ROPC) of Region IV-B MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) recently, the energy chief assured the body that exploration and development of resources within the area would not compromise the country’s sovereignty.

“While we are protecting our territories, the DOE is trying to work together with the DFA on how we can continue exploration in the area,” he said.

The body is chaired by Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez, while Cusi is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region IV-B.

“We are doing this without compromising our sovereignty. That’s one thing we can assure you as we progress in our exploration on how to develop and utilize the resources there at the West Philippine Sea,” Cusi said. “We need it to attain energy security.”

Cusi earlier said he is planning to discuss with his Chinese counterpart joint exploration efforts in the West Philippine Sea once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.

He and his counterpart were supposed to hold a meeting on joint exploration earlier this year but the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic stalled the visit of the Chinese counterparts to the country.

There are no specific details yet as to when and where the meeting will take place, but a way forward would be discussed, the energy chief said earlier.

The Philippine and Chinese officials last held a meeting on joint exploration in December last year.