The Philippines will resume discussing the potential joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with China in May, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Daza said the talks as agreed by both nations would be held in Beijing.
The exact date of the discussion has yet to announce.
"The meeting will discuss parameters and terms of references," she said.
According to the Daza, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo assured Senator Francis 'Tol' Tolentino that updates on the matter would be provided.
Last Sunday, April 2, Tolentino cautioned the national government against the planned joint exploration, saying that the discussion should be based on the foreign policy in the country.
"Dapat magdahan-dahan ang ating DFA. Sa usaping ito, dahil ito ay isang parang extension ng foreign policy. Dapat involved din ang Senado," he earlier noted.
The Senator also cited that the country should consider the Supreme Court ruling on the 2005 joint oil exploration deal between PH, Vietnam, and China.
During the three-day state visit of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. in China last January, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to resume oil and gas talks and manage maritime issues "cordially" with the country.
