Philippines determined to offer disputed blocks

Tall order: a Filipino worker climbs on rice stocks inside a government warehouse in Bicutan, south of Manila

REUTERS/SCANPIX

By Amanda Battersby London

 19 July 2012 22:59 GMT

The Philippines is sticking with its plan to offer three disputed offshore blocks in its current licensing round despite demands from China that they should be withdrawn.

Bids are due to close on 31 July for areas 3, 4 and 5 off the island of Palawan, acreage that Manila believes is some of the most prospective on offer in the Philippine Energy Contracting Round 4 (PECR 4).

The government has reiterated its claim that the three areas in the South China Sea are within its exclusive economic zone, seeking to assure potential investors that any future exploration would be legal.

However, Beijing has objected to the offer of these blocks, saying that the acreage cannot be bid or awarded without…

Become an Upstream member!

Membership includes a subscription to our weekly newspaper providing in-depth news from the energy industry, plus full-access to this site and its archives. Still not convinced? Try our free trial.

Already a member?

Login

Upstream share price index