(DC file photo)
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. rejected allegations by the Chinese Embassy that he sabotaged negotiations between the Philippines and China on joint oil and gas exploration, saying the talks were terminated in 2022 upon the orders of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Teodoro clarified that Duterte directed the termination of negotiations following concerns that the proposed arrangement could violate the Philippine Constitution.
According to the defense chief, the decision was based on the recommendation of then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who raised constitutional issues surrounding the proposed joint exploration agreement.
Teodoro maintained that he was not responsible for ending the negotiations, disputing the Chinese Embassy’s accusation that he had obstructed efforts to reach an agreement between Manila and Beijing.
He also emphasized that any arrangement involving the exploration and development of the country’s natural resources must comply with Philippine laws and constitutional requirements.
The defense secretary stressed that the Philippines should not compromise its sovereignty or sovereign rights merely to secure an agreement with China.
The disagreement comes amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing maritime claims in the South China Sea, particularly in areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Joint oil and gas exploration has long been discussed as a possible area of cooperation between the two countries, but constitutional concerns and unresolved maritime disputes have complicated efforts to finalize an agreement.
Teodoro reiterated that protecting the country’s national interests and upholding the Constitution must remain central to any future negotiations involving energy exploration.
