MANILA, Philippines — Justifying the Department of Foreign Affairs' decision to allow China to conduct a maritime scientific research in Benham Rise, Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said that more research requests would be more beneficial for the country. Earlier this week, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Philippine government could not conduct research in Benham Rise without the help of China. "Whether it’s protecting the environment or any sovereignty rights, meaning economic rights, in Benham Rise, Philippine Rise, it’s more advantageous to us na mas maraming mag-research," Cayetano said in an interview on Tuesday. Since 2000, the US had requested for 13 scientific research missions in Benham Rise, all of which were approved, according to Cayetano. National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, on the other hand, warned that Beijing might be "lusting" after the resources in Benham Rise.

Source: Philippine Star January 24, 2018 08:15 UTC