President Duterte Allows China To Conduct Research And Explore Benham Rise
President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he gives permission to China to explore Benham Rise to avoid a fight and get economic assistance from China.
Malacañang spokesman Ernesto Abella was confused about the public statements on Benham Rise given by the Chief Executive. Abella also mentioned the president’s statement that there was no invasion and the research is the only agreement.
Abella also explained that Mr. Duterte was just being fair, in fact, he also invited Russian battleships so there will be no incursion.
On Monday (March 17, 2017), President Duterte said that he allowed the exploration and research of Chinese vessels in Benham Rise, during the press briefing together with National Security Council at Malacañang, which shocked his defense chief.
Mr. Duterte’s statement came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed Chinese vessels, which was paying about P13 million-hectare undersea region and biodiversity hotspot in the east of Luzon. A certain ship has been already crisscrossing the area for surveying mission for already 3 months.
Abella was still confused on Duterte’s statement whether he’s referring to the West Philippines Sea or to Benham Rise. He also ensures that the president was very careful in every decision and in protecting the sovereign right of Benham Rise.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose who is also on the same press briefing said that Mr. Duterte allowed China to conduct research in the area. “Well, I think the President has already answered that when he said that he gave permission,” said by Jose quoted by Philstar.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was also seeking further details and information regarding the agreement with China over sovereignty rights of Benham Rise. He also said that the country needs a strategic plan to protect Philippine territories from foreign invasions.
Gatchalian said that the area needed a permanent presence by initiating several activities to exercise the rights over Benham Rise. He also explained that having an actual office, authorities, and research ships can prevent other countries to exert their interest over the disputed territories.
