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By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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Monday, March 27, 2017
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MANILA – The Senate Committee on Economic Affairs has scheduled to hold its second hearing on the Benham Rise on March 29.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the committee, said the continuation of the March 7 hearing will discuss defense and national security concerns, as well as issues on biodiversity conservation and energy resources.
Earlier, Chinese vessels were reportedly plying Benham Rise to conduct “marine research” in the area. Last year, survey ships were also monitored sailing in the region for three months.
“We have found it prudent to conduct another hearing in order to paint a clearer picture of the facts as we explore long-term strategies to uphold and defend our sovereign rights over the Benham Rise,” Gatchalian said.
The senator said Wednesday’s probe also seeks to shed light on the frequent incursions into the area and any diplomatic exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials on the matter.
So not to politicize the issue on Behman Rise, the economic affairs panel said they would objectively investigate the matter.
“The primary purpose of this hearing will be to craft a cohesive executive-legislative strategy for the long-term defense and development of the Benham Rise. If the political opposition is expecting a political fault-finding mission, then they will surely be disappointed,” the senator said.
Gatchalian said the government needs to conduct a “long term” and “extensive” science expedition to Benham Rise “to fully discover how its development will benefit the Filipino people.”
Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said there is need for the Duterte administration to clarify its stand on different policy issues, including the Benham Rise.
The government must enlighten the Senate on the agreement that President Duterte allegedly entered into with China in connection with the Benham Rise, said Aquino.
“Mayroon ba talagang kasunduan na nangyari? At kung mayroon man, dapat ipaalam ng pamahalaan sa Senado ang nilalaman nito upang mapag-aralan at malaman ng taong bayan,” he said.
According to him, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense and the Office of the President should invited to the hearing to clarify the matter./PN
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