Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has warned that future generations of Filipinos may lose access to vital maritime resources if the Philippines fails to defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Speaking during the 97th founding anniversary celebrations in Oroquieta City, Teodoro emphasized that the country must rely increasingly on the sea for resources to sustain development, as land-based resources become scarce. 'The resources we need for development can no longer be found on land. We need to turn to the sea,' he stated. Teodoro stressed that the Philippines must fight for its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the WPS and the larger Pacific Ocean area to secure fish, oil, and gas resources for future generations. He warned that without active defense of these maritime rights, other nations could benefit from these resources instead. 'If we exhaust those resources and fail to defend the West Philippine Sea, nothing will be left for us. Others will benefit instead,' he said. His remarks come amid renewed tensions with China over joint oil and gas exploration in the WPS. Teodoro rejected Chinese Embassy accusations that he obstructed exploration efforts, noting that former President Rodrigo Duterte terminated negotiations in 2022 over constitutional concerns. The Philippines and China had signed a memorandum of understanding on possible oil and gas cooperation in 2018, but talks ended without a final agreement. Teodoro reiterated that joint exploration with China would be illegal due to constitutional concerns and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing's historic claims in the South China Sea. China continues to reject the 2016 ruling. Teodoro described the West Philippine Sea as a 'catalyst for development,' stating that 'if we sit back and relax, nothing will happen. We need to fight for it.'

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