Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - A retired Philippine Navy flag officer has cautioned the government against entering into joint oil exploration agreements with China without strict safeguards.Retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong warned that poorly structured deals could undermine national security and sovereignty in the long run.Speaking aboard a civilian vessel bound for Pag-asa Island as part of the Atin Ito 4th civilian mission on Monday, Ong said joint development with China is not entirely off the table, but only under firm constitutional and security conditions.“It must be within the ambit of our constitution. Hindi dapat ma-violate iyon. Second, the terms should not involve provisions that sort of impinges our national security,” Ong said.“So we just need to be discerning in any, kahit anumang pag-uusap with China and make sure that iyong core national interest natin hindi napapabayaan,” he added.Ong said any provision allowing a Chinese security presence, such as the deployment of China Coast Guard vessels in joint project areas, could serve as a backdoor for strategic control, masking coercive intentions behind cooperative agreements.His remarks come amid continued Chinese Coast Guard presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a situation he described as a long-term strategic challenge if left unaddressed.He added that the six years of the previous administration created a vacuum that allowed Chinese forces to expand their presence.“Iyong six years of the previous administration, provided a space or vacuum na nakapasok sila. So ngayon, ang problem dito is parang iyong toothpaste na lumabas sa tube, paano mo ibabalik iyong toothpaste doon sa tube? Hindi gano’n kadali iyong,” Ong explained.“So, incrementally, we need to develop iyong capabilities natin para ma-push out sila sa area na iyon without resorting to conflict,” he added.He explained that while military capability-building remains essential, it must be complemented by a “civilianization” strategy, leveraging non-military missions to assert Philippine rights in contested waters.However, he noted that such civilian-led efforts, including the Atin Ito mission, are not sustainable on their own and must translate into concrete, long-term gains.“Pinapakita natin na kaya ng civilian approach. But ito, hindi naman ito designed to be a sustainable effort or undertaking it. We&#x27;re just showing the way na if we push harder, regardless kung military o civilian, may magagawa. But you need to actually have that result,” Ong said.Beyond maritime strategy, Ong also called on the Philippines to maximize its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stressing the need to rebuild diplomatic engagement with regional partners after years of limited outreach.<div>PHILIPPINES’ ASEAN SUMMIT CHAIRSHIP</div>He also acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s regional diplomacy, noting that the Philippines had not effectively communicated its position to fellow ASEAN member states.“Over the years kasi meron tayong kaunting pagkukulang. Hindi tayo nag-reach out sa mga ASEAN member states at in-explain iyong position natin. Kaya nangyari dito for the past few years, para tayong outlier,” he said, as he emphasized that other countries may have struggled to understand the Philippines’ actions because these were not clearly conveyed.He expressed hope that the country’s ASEAN chairmanship could serve as an opportunity to bridge that gap.“I hope that iyong ASEAN chairship natin would be used as a vehicle to catch up, to be able to dialogue with our ASEAN member states and explain iyong position natin,” he said.He acknowledged that ASEAN member states have their own interests and perspectives, but emphasized that clear communication of the Philippine position is crucial to avoid isolation and misunderstanding.<div>ATIN ITO PUSHES BACK AGAINST CRITICS</div>Ong also pushed back against critics who downplay civilian missions in the West Philippine Sea, framing them as vital in countering China’s coercive tactics aimed at eroding Filipino resolve.He said that China’s increasing actions over the past years reflect a strategy of coercion designed to weaken the country’s resolve.“Iyong coercion nila, it’s designed in military terms, to break our moral will to fight or resist,” he said.Despite this, he stressed that such missions send a clear message of resilience.“Kahit anong gawin niyo, iyong Pilipino kayang tumayo sa sarili niya at ipaglalaban niya iyong ating karapatan,” he said.He also pointed to the participation of young volunteers in the civilian mission, noting their commitment despite limited experience. He said many of them are still early in their understanding of the world, yet are willing to dedicate days of their time to join such undertakings, reflecting what he described as a growing sense of civic engagement and national awareness.For Ong, the participation of civilian volunteers, including young Filipinos, sends a powerful message: that the country’s resolve to defend its rights remains intact despite sustained external pressure.

A retired Philippine Navy flag officer has cautioned the government against entering into joint oil exploration agreements with China without strict safeguards.

A retired Philippine Navy flag officer has cautioned the government against entering into joint oil exploration agreements with China without strict safeguards.

Retired navy admiral warns vs security risks in China oil deal

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Retired navy admiral warns vs security risks in China oil deal

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 04, 2026 07:34 PM PHT

Read More:

Chinese Coast Guard

Philippines

Exclusive Economic Zone

Atin Ito

West Philippine Sea

Rommel Jude Ong

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