MANILA: The Philippines is exploring legal options against China accusing it of destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, an allegation rejected by Beijing an attempt to "create political drama". The Philippines foreign ministry late on Thursday said it was awaiting assessments from various agencies of the extent of environmental damage in Iroquois Reef in the Spratly islands and would be guided by solicitor general Menardo Guevarra. Guevarra was quoted on Thursday by news outlet Rappler as saying he was studying the possibility of filing a second legal case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague, although no decision had yet been taken on what legal move would be taken. "The DFA stands ready to contribute to this effort," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.