US Key to Philippines’ Plan to Tap Oil, Gas in South China Sea

News Snapshot:

(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines is counting on the US and its allies to play a crucial role in its plans to explore energy resources in the disputed South China Sea, according to Manila’s envoy to Washington. The country is seeking to parlay its deepening security ties with Washington into broader economic benefits, said Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. “When the time comes that we are going to start exploring it, we’ll have the options to be able to see how we can secure the expedition," Romualdez said in an interview in Manila. “We’re working closely with our...