MANILA, Philippines — An opposition lawmaker labeled as a “knee-jerk reaction” the decision of the Palace to halt foreign marine explorations and studies in the Philippine Rise following strong public opposition to the move to allow China to research in the area.

Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo) also claimed that his sources had told him that Chinese vessels left the area two days ago and before President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the cessation of foreign explorations in Benham Rise, also known as the Philippine Rise.

“It was a knee-jerk reaction from the administration after the overwhelming opposition of the public on allowing China to conduct marine scientific research (MSR) in Benham Rise,” Alejano said.

“Further, according to our sources, the Chinese vessels have already left two days ago — before this assertion by the president. The decision is therefore rendered insignificant,” he added.

READ: Philippines conducting Benham Rise research without China

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino welcomed the decision of Duterte and urged the Senate to probe the issue and get inputs from Filipino scientists about their research and exploration activities in Benham Rise.

“In a Senate hearing, our scientists and experts will have the opportunity to present their current findings and plans to study and develop the Philippine Rise,” Aquino said in a statement.

Agriculture Secretary Manuel Piñol announced on Wednesday that Duterte ordered the stoppage of marine explorations by foreigners in the underwater plateau east of Luzon during Monday evening’s Cabinet meeting.

The Navy and the Air Force were both ordered to deploy assets that would check the presence of foreign teams in the region.

According to Piñol, Duterte’s decision came after a “foreign low-level diplomat” said that the Philippines did not own the whole underwater region.

Alejano clarified that he was not calling for an absolute ban on foreign marine scientific research but only “careful consideration and prudence” in granting permits with constant regard for national security in allowing studies in the area.

Aquino also urged the government to come up with a “sound plan” that would govern the exploration of the 13-million-hectare undersea region.

READ: ‘Probe Benham Rise research deal’

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian meanwhile stressed the need for the government to ensure that the results of studies in Benham Rise would benefit Filipinos as he expressed support for the creation of guidelines that would govern scientific conduct in the region.

“I support the new guidelines and I support the guidelines being available to all countries but more importantly, whatever research will be conducted, we should benefit from it,” Gatchalian said.

He added that a pending bill in Congress would create the Philippine Rise Development Authority that would be a coordinative and policy-making body that would regulate the development and exploration activities in the area.

Alejano stressed that the government should provide a clear foreign policy direction on China which would guide the actions of its agencies.

He also urged the administration to divulge its agreements and discussions with China and to strengthen Philippine capacity to safeguard and monitor activities in the country’s waters.

READ: Cayetano: More research in Benham Rise advantageous to us