Philippines to assert sovereignty over Benham Rise  

March 10, 2017

The Philippine government will assert its sovereignty over Benham Rise after the defense department reported the presence of a Chinese survey ship, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Friday.

Abella said the government is “concerned” about this as relations between the Philippines and China are warming after President Rodrigo Duterte decided not to raise the issue of disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea before Beijing.

"We are concerned about the presence of a Chinese ship in Benham Rise, which has been recognized by the United Nations as part of the Philippines.," Abella said.

"The Department of National Defense has already notified the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding this matter as we continue to assert our sovereignty over our territory," Abella added.

The government made these remarks as Duterte is optimistic of improving trade ties about the recent visit of a Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan in Malacanang where he presented a $10-billion fund assistance.

Duterte said he felt he made the “correct decision.”

In his recent speech, Duterte said China has doubled its trade with the Philippines.

"Pineapple, double; mango, double. They said they want to buy avocados,” said Duterte. He said China wants to buy more because it has a population of five billion people.

China has also allowed Philippine fishermen to return to Scarborough Shoal in October.

But even as ties are warming, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana showed concern over  Chinese survey ships at Recto or Reed Bank but also at Benham Rise in the Pacific.

Lorenzana said he had ordered the Navy to drive away the survey ship if it approaches Benham Rise. He added a diplomatic protest was lodged by the Philippines over this. DMS