A legislator called on the House of Representatives to investigate the oil drilling explorations that have been ongoing in the Sulu Sea allegedly without the consent of the local government in the province.

Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong complained that the oil drilling operations of mining companies Exxonmobil Exploration and Production Philippines B.V. exclude the participation of the residents in Sulu.

“The oil drilling explorations conducted at the Sulu Sea should be investigated to ensure the active participation of the people of Sulu and protect and preserve our rich biodiversity without sacrificing real contributions to our economic growth and general welfare,” Loong said.

Loong filed House Resolution No. 30 that seeks a congressional inquiry on the project which has been operating since October, 2009, under the Department of Energy (DoE) Service Contract-56 (SC-56).

The DoE-SC 56 is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to encourage investments in the energy sector, leading to energy security for the country.

“The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State. The State may directly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production, joint venture, or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens, or corporations or associations at least 60 per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens,” Loong said.

Loong reiterated that the Sulu Sea, as part of the territorial waters and national patrimony of the Province of Sulu, belongs to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).