The Philippine government can strike a deal with foreign companies to explore the West Philippine Sea for mineral resources under Executive Order (EO) 130 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, a lawmaker said Saturday (May 1).
Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers made the suggestion amid the continued incursions of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, which he called a “breach of security” and “economic sabotage.”
“If these resources will bring us economic recovery then we should exploit, protect and keep it for our exclusive use because it is as precious as our independence as it will free the people from the bondage of poverty and could be the solution to the economic quagmire we are presently in,” he said.
EO 130 signed by Duterte last month lifted the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects under another EO issued by his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III.
Barbers said the exploration of potential mineral resources in the West Philippine Sea will be very much like the Malampaya deal with Royal Dutch Shell PLC.
Under the agreement, Shell extracts natural gas from the Malampaya plant. The product is then refined and used in various applications. The government also collects royalties and taxes from the project.
“We can open negotiations with reputable Chinese as well as European and American companies engaged in gas, oil and other mineral explorations, within the bounds of our Constitution,” Barbers said.
Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)
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