DOE backs Duterte stance on WPS resource licensing

The Department of Energy (DOE) has backed President Duterte's stance on asserting the Philippines' licensing authority over resources in the West Philippine Sea.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Gusi stated that the DOE will take necessary steps to protect oil and gas resources within the country’s jurisdiction, including its islands, internal waters, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf.

Cusi emphasized that only the Philippine government through the DOE can issue licenses for drilling activities in these areas, and any foreign state engaging in such activities without permission will face action from the DOE to protect licensees and preserve resources.

The DOE also said it would defer to the President's prerogative regarding security options and conform to decisions made by the Department of Foreign Affairs concerning ongoing informal negotiations on oil and gas cooperation with China.