“I would [lift the moratorium], but I guess it’s better left for the next administration for a more holistic approach,” the outgoing energy chief said, referring to the suspension of major service contracts in the West Philippine Sea.
The Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster suspended WPS oil and gas activities in March this year amid tiff with China. “Following the SJPCC’s [Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster] suspension order and now with the termination of negotiations with China, the DOE, in coordination with the SJPCC for safety and security concerns, continues to pursue talks with existing service contract holders so they can proceed with their work programs,” the DOE said.
The IGJSC was established to serve as the official negotiating forum between the two countries on the matter. The DOE said it welcomed the development, as it strongly believes in the value of negotiating with China and other claimant countries such as Vietnam.The DOE said it promoted exploration in the WPS through the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program, where it opened areas for application and nomination, reviewed bids and issued licenses.