MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) would not include "sensitive operations" or "joint patrols."
The DFA made the clarification Monday night to address public concerns on the MOU's impact on national interests.
The Foreign Affairs department said the PCG and CCG entered into an MOU on the establishment of a joint coast guard committee on maritime cooperation in 2016.
Since 2024, both parties have been engaged in discussions to amend and update that agreement.
"The proposed amendments are limited in scope," said DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva, Jr.
He said they are focused on re-establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee to serve as a channel of communication between the two coast guards.
"The MOU does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, joint patrols foremost among them," Villanueva said in a statement.
"The Department reaffirms that engagement and vigilance are complementary, not contradictory," he stressed.
The Philippines, he said, would continue to "pursue practical maritime cooperation where appropriate, while remaining steadfast in the defense of its national interests."
"These discussions are consistent with President [Ferdinand] Marcos's standing directive to maintain open lines of communication and engagement with China, even as the Philippines firmly upholds its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law," he said.
The negotiations, he said, have been conducted through proper diplomatic channels and are not confined to Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meetings, which serve as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably.
He said they have been duly reported to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, in his capacity as National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea chairman; DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and PCG Commandant Ronnie Gavan.
