Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday conveyed its readiness to answer all questions surrounding the government's provisional understanding on the Ayungin Shoal with China following a call for Senate investigation into the deal. 'The DFA respects the Senate's mandate to conduct hearings,' Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva said in a text message. 'The DFA welcomes the opportunity to clarify matters surrounding the Provisional Understanding at the proper forum and in coordination with defense and security agencies.'

According to Philippines News Agency, under the proposed Senate Resolution No. 536, filed on July 27, Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is asking the Senate to conduct an inquiry to determine the provisional understanding's consistency with the 2016 arbitral award and its implications on the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The DFA had earlier clarified that the understanding serves as a 'set of principles and approaches' meant to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation during the resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.

It stated that it does not in any way concede the Philippines' sovereignty and rights over the West Philippine Sea. The agency said both the Philippines and China, when the understanding was reached, also agreed that it 'does not prejudice national positions.'

Ayungin Shoal forms part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the Philippines, as provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and settled by the 2016 Arbitral Award. And as a low-tide elevation, it generates no maritime entitlement of its own and cannot be claimed by any other state.

'The Philippines alone holds the sovereign right to authorize any structure there, and Philippine vessels do not require permission to sail to Ayungin,' the DFA said last week.