Energy Undersecretary Eduardo Mañalac confirmed that his department is in the final stages of negotiation with Forum and that a contract has yet to be signed. However, he admitted that talks with Premier were in the final stages and that the UK company wanted to extend its onshore and offshore exploration all the way to the South of Ticao Pass, between Sorsogon and Ticao Island in Masbate.

Aside from these two companies, Mañalac has revealed that around 12 to 15 companies have expressed interest in the first Philippine Petroleum Public Contracting Round-I (PCR-I).