Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday questioned the proposed joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, calling the deal illegal based on a previous Supreme Court ruling.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Teodoro said former President Rodrigo Duterte had also withdrawn the earlier plan for joint oil exploration.

He made the remarks in response to the Chinese Embassy’s criticism, which blamed Teodoro for the stalled project, saying it could have already benefited Filipinos.

Teodoro questioned why China should be allowed to participate in the project, citing concerns over the country's previous investments in the Philippines.

“Ano, sila lang ang pwede? Eh nakita naman natin ang klase ng investments nila dito. Baka magkaroon ng POGO diyan sa West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said.

His remarks came amid renewed discussions over the proposed energy cooperation between Manila and Beijing, which has remained contentious due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.