PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will set foot in the Philippine (Benham) Rise next week to send off 50 scientists who will conduct research in the area, Malacañang said on Tuesday. The President will be commemorating last year’s renaming of Benham Rise to Philippine Rise by visiting the area itself on May 15-16. The visit will coincide with the launch of a scientific research to be conducted by around 50 scientists, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a news briefing. “The event will be attended by 50 scientists whom the President will be sending off as they start their scientific research in the Philippine Rise,” Roque added. This is to allow only Filipinos to conduct scientific research, lay submarine cables and explore resources in the Philippine Rise.

Source: Manila Times May 08, 2018 16:07 UTC