Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 17) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration is striving to settle the West Philippine Sea dispute so that new energy exploration projects could begin before the Malampaya gas field starts to run dry.

“We are still at a deadlock right now. It is in a conflict area. So, that’s another thing that we have to try and resolve to see what role any countries play,” Marcos said in an interview with Japanese media when asked about maritime issues and the Malampaya gas field.

Read More –>Marcos: PH working to resolve WPS row for new energy exploration projects