From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella Re: PH engages PROC on WPS claims

The Philippines engaged PROC in a frank discussion on possible oil explorations in the WPS.

President Duterte was forthright about its economic rights awarded by the Arbitral Court in the Hague, a claim the Chinese leader said they would vigorously contest given their historic claims to the area.

Given this complexity both parties agreed to pursue a more peaceful resolution to the matter that satisfies both our sovereign and economic rights.