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News ReleaseMay 26, 2014        

References: Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, 09178350459

 

BAYAN MUNA: NO JOINT EXPLORATION WITH CHINA ON DISPUTED ISLANDS AND A REPEAT OF JMSUGroup to file motion to expedite SC case declaring JMSU unconstitutional

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares today said that they would oppose the proposed joint exploration with China on the disputed islands if it will lead to the same disadvantage brought about by the Joint Monitoring Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) during the Arroyo administration in 2007. 

“While we are for the peaceful resolution of the dispute with China, we must be wary of the proposed joint exploration between the Philippines and China on the disputed islands because as our experience with the JMSU in 2007 we were put at a disadvantage when the Philippine government allowed the Chinese to gather valuable data on the natural gas deposits in Recto Reed Bank,” said the senior deputy minority leader.

“Through the JMSU, China learned of the enormous reserves of natural gas in Recto Reed Bank, for example just one field amounts to about 2.7-3.4 trillion cubic feet of this valuable resource.  China is now hell bent on acquiring it either by hook or by crook as evidenced by its renewed aggressive stance in the area, so we must very carefully study this proposal,” said Rep. Colmenares.

“The gun boat diplomacy being used now by China is meant to secure for themselves areas clearly under Philippine territory. It is also meant to solve the energy crisis that the emerging superpower is trying to stave off. But imagine what these deposits can do to help us on our own power crisis,” added progressive solon.

“We in Bayan Muna already filed a Supreme Court (SC) case against the JMSU to declare this Philippine-China exploration in 2007 unconstitutional. We will also file a motion to expedite the resolution of this case hoping that the SC will protect the interest of the people in accessing our resources against China or the US or any country who will exploit these at our expense,” he added.

“Any joint exploration with China must protect the interest of the Filipino people and should contribute to our economic development. It must also recognize our territorial integrity over the disputed area. There must be no repeat of the highly unequal JMSU and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in the name of defending our territories from foreign incursions,” ended Rep. Colmenares. ###

For more information, please contact Bayan Muna media officer Carl Ala at 09175110459