Solons warn Palace: You can’t do deals without us

Senators yesterday cautioned the Aquino administration against entering into an agreement with other countries that may affect the Philippines’ territorial claims without seeking the approval of Congress.

Senators Sergio Osmeña III and Ralph Recto said the Department of Foreign Affairs should have first consulted with the lawmakers before negotiating with Malaysia on the Philippines’ pursuit of its territorial claims in the extended continental shelf (ECS) in the West Philippine Sea. 

“Any treaty must undergo Senate oversight and approval. It might even require an amendment to our Constitution,” said Osmeña.

“I don’t think that is just for the executive branch to decide. Congress should be consulted on the matter,” Recto said.

Recto did not say if he supported or opposed the alleged swap offer of the Philippines, wherein Malaysia would drop its claims to disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea in exchange for the Philippines’ dropping of its claim to Sabah. 

But Malacañang yesterday denied making the offer, which was reported by Vera Files.