STATEMENT OF PARTIDO LIBERAL PRESIDENT SEN. FRANCIS PANGILINAN ON CHINESE RESEARCH IN BENHAM RISE

We are alarmed by the admission of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that it has allowed China to conduct maritime research in Benham Rise. We demand full transparency of the deal.

What will the country stand to gain from this marine scientific research? Why do we need to partner with China? Can't the Philippines do it on its own? What is in store for China after the research? How long will this be carried out, and what will be the coverage of the research? What are the mechanisms and guidelines in place in the conduct of the activity?

Most importantly, what would be the impact of such joint undertaking on the Philippines' national interest and security?

We raise these queries because history and experience tell us that China is not exactly the most trustworthy partner for such an activity. We cannot turn a blind eye to past reports about China's bullying of our local fishermen and its constant patrolling of disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.

Amid the protest of the Philippines and other claimant nations, China continued its military build-up and aggressive infrastructure projects in waters that are subject of dispute.

The administration should be transparent in its dealings with China to allay fears of the people that it is betraying our national sovereignty and patrimony.