‘Exploit the Rise lest others take it’

MANILA – Government should “urgently” engage in extensive research in the Philippine Rise and explore its economic potential for the benefit of the Filipinos, a c c ording t o S herwin Gatchalian.

On May 16, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 25, renaming the controversial Benham Rise to Philippine Rise.

The 1987 Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea affirms the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the undersea region, Duterte said.

“Changing its name has put emphasis on our sovereign jurisdiction over this vast mass of underwater plateau,” Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, said.

“Now that we have done that, government must now shift its attention on how to utilize its natural resources before our neighbors discover its hidden treasures.”

The senator said t he economic affairs panel is finalizing its recommendations on the creation of the Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA) to spearhead research and development efforts over the resource-rich area.

Sen. Sonny Angara earlier filed Senate Bill No. 312 seeking for the establishment of BRDA “to ensure that the enjoyment of the benefits of Benham Rise accrue to our citizens in the swiftest manner.”

The senator from Aurora also stressed the importance of having an inventory of untapped resources such as natural gas deposits, mineral resources, and marine species.

“We must protect what’s clearly ours. It is high time also to accelerate the development of Benham Rise as potential rich source of alternative energy, marine resources, and tourism destination,” he said./

PN

MANILA – A resolution seeking to convene the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee ( JCOC) on the Automated Election System ( AES) has been filed in the Senate.

In her proposed Senate Resolution No. 376, Sen. Nancy Binay cited Republic Act 9369 or the Amended Automated Election Law, which mandates the Commission on Elections ( Comelec) to submit to the JCOC its evaluation on the AES.

“We have to ensure that the integrity of the electoral process and to protect the sacred right of the Filipino to vote and choose the leaders of our country,” Binay said.

Six months after t he 2016 presidential elections, the lady senator said that Comelec has yet to submit a “comprehensive review” on the AES.

“Despite the findings of Stratbase ADR Institute last week, the Comelec should still issue its own review of the AES.

Mahigit isang taon na ang lumilipas at kailangan nilang ilahad sa bayan kung ano ang mga problemang