Partylist lawmaker claims DFA approved joint research by China, Philippines near Benham Rise

January 13, 2018

A partylist congressman claimed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) approved the request of the Institute of Oceanology of Chinese Academy of Sciences (IO-CAS) for a marine scientific research in Philippine waters.

Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano said he received information China will be joined by the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) and the project’s area will cover Eastern Luzon, where Benham Rise is located, and Eastern Mindanao.

“We should be careful and prudent in granting any access to our waters especially with China who is known to claim 80 percent of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) in South China Sea through its expansive 9-dash line,” Alejano stressed.

Alejano did not give details when the research team will start examining the area.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano did not confirm Alejano's statement but pointed out that Philippine law allows this joint research but with conditions.

"Filipino laws says that research can be done in the continental shelf and in certain marine areas for as long as there is a Filipino on board, Filipino scientist," said Cayetano Friday.

"Second, for as long as all findings , data, research is shared," added Cayetano.

Chinese vessels were reported surveying Benham Rise for three months in 2016.

in 2017, then Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said Benham Rise, recognized by the United Nations as part of the Philippines' continental shelf in 2012, is within Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and extended continental shelf under a UN maritime convention.

"It is indisputable because no other country has an overlapping claim there and this was awarded to us by the UN Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf," Jose said. DMS