Saturday, July 26, 2025

China has no right to explore Benham Rise — Carpio

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, March 15 (PNA) — Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Wednesday said China cannot conduct oil and gas explorations in Benham Rise which was earlier declared by the United Nations as part of the extended continental shelf (ECS) of the Philippines.

“We have sovereign rights over Benham Rise because we have exclusive right to explore and exploit the oil, gas and other mineral resources in Benham Rise which has been confirmed by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLOS) as part of the extended continental shelf of the Philippines,” he said in a statement.

“If the Chinese vessels were conducting seismic surveys to look for oil, gas and minerals, then they could not do that because UNLCOS has reserved the oil, gas and minerals in the ECS to the Philippines,” Carpio stressed.

The UNCLOS had confirmed that Benham Rise, a 13-million hectare area off the coast of Aurora province, is part of the Philippines’ continental shelf and territory. The area has untapped natural resources, including rich mineral deposits, and is said to be bigger than the total area of Luzon, Samar and Leyte combined.

Carpio, who was part of the legal team that presented the government’s case against China’s reclamation in the West Philippine Sea before the UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2015, suggested that the Philippines may again take action if China is indeed conducting mineral exploration in the area.

Related video from ABS-CBN

Hot this week

Steps to Prevent Workplace Injuries in Queensland

Workplace injuries don’t just affect the person hurt—they impact...

5 Business Security and Safety Measures Beyond Insurance 

When it comes to protecting your business, insurance is...

7000 Islands brings Filipino spirits to Sydney Spirits Festival

The Sydney Spirits Festival returned this year to the...

Pinoy Power: Filipino Professionals Share Stories of Leadership and Transformation

The University of the Philippines Alumni in Victoria (UPAV)...

Trade License Explained: Requirements and Benefits

Key Highlights A trade licence ensures you have the necessary...

Topics

Steps to Prevent Workplace Injuries in Queensland

Workplace injuries don’t just affect the person hurt—they impact...

5 Business Security and Safety Measures Beyond Insurance 

When it comes to protecting your business, insurance is...

7000 Islands brings Filipino spirits to Sydney Spirits Festival

The Sydney Spirits Festival returned this year to the...

Pinoy Power: Filipino Professionals Share Stories of Leadership and Transformation

The University of the Philippines Alumni in Victoria (UPAV)...

Trade License Explained: Requirements and Benefits

Key Highlights A trade licence ensures you have the necessary...

Expert Advice: Dentist in Coffs Harbour at Your Service

Key Highlights Ethical.dental offers comprehensive dental care, ranging from preventative...

Discover the Benefits of Altuva Telehealth Clinic Today

Key Highlights Altuva Telehealth Clinic provides affordable, hassle-free consultations at...

Top Picks for the Best Tent Pegs for Camping Adventures

Key Highlights Choosing the right tent stake can make or...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img