TOL: PH must secure untapped energy resources in Talampas ng Pilipinas

For Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino, it is time for the Philippines to move to secure the untapped energy resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), particularly at the Talampas ng Pilipinas.

MANILA, Philippines – “The Philippines must move to secure untapped energy resources lying within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), particularly the Talampas ng Pilipinas.”

This was emphasized by Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino, in light of the intensifying encroachment of China Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea, and the recent sighting of a Chinese research ship near Batanes. 

“They are after our gas and oil. These untapped resources must be secured and reserved for current and future generations of Filipinos,” said Tolentino, in an interview with members of the media in Caloocan, where he held a motorcade together with local government  leaders.

Tolentino noted that China recently announced the discovery of a ‘billion ton’ oilfield in the South China Sea (SCS). But with its sweeping claims over the entire SCS, the oil and natural gas deposits in our EEZ could also be part of Beijing’s long-term energy agenda, he pointed out. 

The senator said that he intends to file bills seeking the establishment of a development corporation and oil company for Talampas ng Pilipinas – a resource-rich undersea landmass located in Luzon’s eastern seaboard.

The Talampas ng Pilipinas, along with WPS, were enshrined in the provisions of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (RA 12064) authored by Tolentino. 

The chart for the Talampas ng Pilipinas, renamed from ‘Benham Rise’ under the Tolentino Law, was submitted by government representatives to the International Seabed Authority of the United Nations last March 27.