PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte is considering lifting the moratorium on oil and gas exploration projects in the South China Sea.

Speaking to reporters on late Tuesday night, Mr. Duterte said: “It’s one of the possibilities that will happen or can happen or will happen sa (in) South China Sea.”

Mr. Duterte broached the possibility of lifting the moratorium after his bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, with their joint statement saying that “both sides may explore means to cooperate with each other in other possible maritime activities including maritime oil and gas exploration and exploitation.”

“There’s really — it’s an area too big. But I think the players there would really be the ASEAN members who are also claimants. Nag-o-overlap nga eh,” he added.

However, it was not clear when the moratorium will be lifted.

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a moratorium on all exploration and drilling works in Service Contracts 72 and 75 in December 2014 and 2015, respectively, amid rising maritime tension with China.

Last March, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the lifting will be based on the guidance of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“I will only lift it when I think the higher interest of the Philippines is served. I will only lift it when I think the higher interest of the Philippines is served,” Mr. Duterte said. — Rosemarie A. Zamora

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