House probe on China's research in Benham Rise sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc, consisting of seven party-list lawmakers, has filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs to look into China's marine scientific research in Benham Rise or Philippine Rise.

The Department of Foreign Affairs had approved China's request to conduct a marine research and study in the underwater plateau.

Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela), France Castro (ACT Teachers), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis) and Sarah Elago (Kabataan) filed House Resolution 1623 on Monday.

In the resolution, the lawmakers stressed that the Philippines does not have to rely on China to study the Benham Rise.

The Makabayan lawmakers warned of a possible repeat of Beijing's "modus operandi" in 2015 when they jeopardized the country's claims in the Recto Reed Bank under the 2005 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU).

Through the JMSU, China was able to discover and confirm reserves of natural gas in Recto Reed Bank.

"China was able to discover the location of rich marine resources in the area because of information gathered through the JMSU which they did not share with the Philippines," the resolution read.

"China is now very zealous in taking over these rich natural gas deposits as evidenced by its aggressive stance in the area even constructing islands and placing missile systems to control the area," it added.

The lawmakers also cited UP Institute of Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea director Jay Batongbacal's criticism of the DFA decision allowing China to explore Benham Rise.

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority had already conducted a survey between 2004 to 2008 and produced a detailed digital model of the region. In 2014 and 2016, two oceanographic research cruises supported by national government agencies were conducted in Benham Bank, the shallowest portion of Philippine Rise.

Other marine geologists and biologists have also produced papers about Benham Rise. BRP Gregorio, the country's deep-sea research vessel, can conduct its own study, the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers stressed that there must be no repeat of the "highly unequal" JMSU.

"However, any joint exploration with China must protect the interest of the Filipino people and should contribute to the country's economic development. It must also recognize our territorial integrity, sovereign rights and sovereignty over our established claims and territory," the resolution read.

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