Push Admin

Duterte renames 'Benham Rise' to 'Philippine Rise'

Article (news)

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/03/15/benham2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">This photo was taken during a marine expedition at Benham Rise last May 26, 2016. Branching corals contribute to the complexity of the reef. <cite>Oceana Philippines</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has officially renamed Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise,” in an apparent bid to assert the country’s sovereignty over the resource-rich waters amid alleged incursions by Chinese ships.</p><p>Duterte signed Executive Order No. 25 renaming the 13-million hectare area undersea landmass off Aurora.</p><p>“All departments, subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government shall henceforth use and employ the name ‘Philippine Rise’ in all official documents in referring to the undersea feature,” the EO reads.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/dgplacido">@dgplacido</a> LOOK: Executive Order No. 25 renames Benham Rise to Philippine Rise | via <a href="https://twitter.com/dzmmRP45">@dzmmRP45</a> <a href="https://t.co/xAwF8qihs2">pic.twitter.com/xAwF8qihs2</a></p>— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/866497356383924224">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charSet="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script><p>The president made the proposal to rename Benham Rise in early April, following reports that Chinese ships were spotted in the area.</p><p>China has said it was merely passing through the area and assured the Philippines that it would &quot;fully respect and recognize the sovereign rights of the Philippines.</p><p>The Philippine Rise is the latest addition to Philippine territory. It was awarded to the country in 2012 by the United Nations after Manila successfully proved that it was part of Isabela province&#x27;s extended continental shelf. The extended continent shelf was named after American geologist, Andrew Benham, who reportedly surveyed it in 1933.</p><p>Duterte&#x27;s predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, opted to use West Philippine Sea when referring to South China Sea to assert Manila&#x27;s claim to the resource-rich islands, reefs and outcrops that are also claimed by China and other neighbors.</p><p>Unlike in the South China Sea, Beijing has not contested Manila&#x27;s claim to Benham Rise.</p><div><strong>-- With Reuters</strong></div><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/03/15/17/benhams-hidden-gems-thriving-sea-life-potential-gas">READ: Benham&#x27;s hidden gems: Thriving sea life, potential gas</a></li></ul>

<p> President Rodrigo Duterte has officially renamed Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise,” in an apparent bid to assert the country’s sovereignty over the resource-rich waters amid alleged incursions by Chinese ships.</p>

President Rodrigo Duterte has officially renamed Benham Rise to “Philippine Rise,” in an apparent bid to assert the country’s sovereignty over the resource-rich waters amid alleged incursions by Chinese ships.

Duterte renames 'Benham Rise' to 'Philippine Rise'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

Duterte renames 'Benham Rise' to 'Philippine Rise'

Dharel Placido,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 22, 2017 12:03 PM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

EO

Benham Rise

Philippine Rise

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.