An independent think tank is urging the government to reconsider plans for joint gas exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The Stratbase Institute said China is “neither a reliable partner nor a responsible actor” and warned that entering a deal with Beijing could harm the Philippines’ long-term national interests. Stratbase president Victor “Andres” Manhit said a country that repeatedly violates international law and Philippine sovereignty cannot be trusted to honor agreements.
Instead, Stratbase recommends that the Philippines pursue energy partnerships with “like-minded states” and capable Filipino private companies, while asserting its sovereignty. Manhit pointed to the implementation of President Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 111, which officially named 131 features in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, as a step toward strengthening national control in the area.
The government is exploring a joint gas deal with China amid global energy pressures caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. President Marcos Jr. suggested the crisis could provide an opportunity to reach an agreement.
Manhit stressed that energy security should not come at the expense of sovereignty. He cited repeated incidents of Chinese vessels restricting access to Philippine waters, including Scarborough Shoal, and damaging Philippine assets. He also highlighted the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping South China Sea claims, which Beijing continues to ignore.
“All resources must remain under full Philippine ownership, control, and supervision,” Manhit said, warning that any ambiguous agreement would be unacceptable.
