Senator Lacson backs joint energy exploration with China amid Middle East risks

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson expressed support for the Marcos administration's push for joint energy exploration projects with China, specifically in the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson cited the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global oil supplies as a primary reason to tap into local oil and natural gas reserves.

The Senator emphasized that any agreement must strictly adhere to the 1987 Constitution’s 60-40 ownership rule in favor of Filipinos.

"Yes. Four-square behind, sinusuportahan ko. Kasi sayang eh. Yayaman tayo doon (Yes. I am supporting this, I'm four-square behind it. There is so much potential. We can benefit greatly from it)," Lacson said in an interview on DZBB radio when asked if the government should explore joint ventures.

He noted that while the Philippines possesses significant potential reserves, the country currently lacks the technology and financial capacity to undertake exploration independently—resources that China can provide.

According to Lacson, a formal agreement reflecting the 60-40 split would be a significant win for the Philippines, as it would imply a recognition of Philippine sovereignty in the explored areas.

The senator also recalled that the idea had been raised during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, when he and then Senate President Vicente Sotto III and former senator Gregorio Honasan discussed the matter with the former president, who he said was supportive of the proposal.

"Ang mahalaga lang sa atin, on paper sa agreement, sa MOA or whatever na pipirmahan, maliwanag emphasized doon 60-40. Pag pumayag ang China, panalo na tayo dahil ibig sabihin nire-recognize nila ang sovereignty ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea o kung saan man ang area na ma-explore (What is important is that for us, at least on paper, the 60-40 provision is emphasized. If China agrees, it is a big win for us because it means they recognize our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and other areas of the Philippines that the joint exploration may cover)," Lacson said.

-Paraluman News