-- The Philippines said any move to revive oil and gas cooperation talks with China will strictly be in line with its constitution and legal framework, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.
The statement came amid renewed attention on proposals to reopen discussions with China on joint energy development in the South China Sea, where both countries have overlapping territorial claims.
The Department said decisions on any potential deal would remain fully under its jurisdiction and guided by existing laws and jurisprudence.
The development follows recent exploratory engagements between the two sides, partly driven by concerns over energy security and supply stability.