The Department of Energy earlier announced the suspension of its marine seismic undertaking in the Kalayaan Island Group or Spratlys pending talks with other claimant-countries.
As regards Reed Bank in western Palawan, Lacierda reiterated that it is part of Philippine territory and is not among the disputed islets, shoals and atolls in the South China Sea.
“Let us be clear and concise, as well as precise, when it comes to reporting about the Kalayaan Group of Islands (often referred to as the Spratlys) as well as other places such as the Reed Bank,” Lacierda said.
“The Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of its possession and claim over the Kalayaan Islands, advocates a multilateral approach to settling disputes in the region, which involves all parties seated around the table,” Lacierda said.
“Amity by means of negotiation and cooperation is a central thrust of President Aquino’s foreign policy,” Lacierda said. “The cornerstone of President Aquino’s foreign policy is our aspiration to be ‘a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities,’ as the President laid out in his inaugural address,” he said. “This is why, even as President Aquino is enhancing our defense capabilities, he has advocated a sober, cooperative, and peaceful approach to settling disputes over the disputed islands,” Lacierda noted.
“It has always been an integral part of our national territory, and not subject to negotiation,” he said of Reed Bank.
Market Data 
Markets 
AI
