Geopolitical analyst Herman Tiu Laurel expressed disappointment over what he called the “Amboys” American‑aligned lawyers and officials led by retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, whom he blames for obstructing the Philippines’ joint oil and gas exploration with China.

Laurel recalled that talks on exploration began in 1988 under President Corazon Aquino and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

The initiative resurfaced during President Benigno Aquino III’s term but faced strong opposition.

In 2017, a memorandum of agreement was signed between then‑President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping, yet Laurel said Carpio blocked its implementation by raising arbitral and sovereignty issues.