Published
By Myrna M. Velasco
The Department of Energy (DOE) is coordinating with the Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) to sort out probable legal and diplomatic dilemmas on oil and gas
exploration at the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which is largely perceived to be
straddling part of the ‘conflict area’ in the country’s nautical jurisdictions.
In recent months, the
energy department has opened the 60-day challenge period for at least three
petroleum service contracts that are up for oil and gas exploration at the WPS.
Opening of bids were
originally scheduled in May, but given the prevailing Enhanced Community
Quarantine (ECQ) enforcement at that time, the process has been deferred to a
time when the interested parties can already attend the physical opening of the
offers.
The challenge on tenders had been set so that parties can match the offer of
the original proponent – which is the tenet of “block nomination” scheme under
the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program.
Energy Secretary
Alfonso G. Cusi said oil and gas exploration is one sphere of investment that
he will perpetually push even in the midst of economic downsides precipitated
by the coronavirus pandemic.
Relating to that
direction of the department, Cusi said he is “working together with the DFA so
that exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea could finally proceed.”
When he briefed the
Regional Peace and Order Council of Region IV-B last week, where oil and
gas-endowed Palawan is a part of, Cusi guaranteed that “exploration and
development of resources within the area will not compromise the country’s
sovereignty.”
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