The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has rejected claims that it is holding secret, unilateral negotiations with China over proposed amendments to a joint coast guard agreement with the Philippines.
In a statement released Sunday, the DFA clarified that Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro were all aware of the ongoing discussions to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Coast Guard.
The DFA rejected allegations of lack of transparency, stressing that the process has been properly coordinated among concerned agencies.
“The DFA categorically rejects characterizations of these discussions as opaque, unilateral, or conducted without the PCG’s knowledge and participation,” the agency said.
The department said that on January 27, it received a letter from Gavan providing updates on the Philippine Coast Guard’s negotiations with China, along with the latest draft of the proposed MOU.
“All developments have been duly reported to, and are known by, all relevant principals,” the DFA added.
Manila and Beijing first signed the coast guard arrangement in 2016 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Since 2024, both sides have been engaged in talks to update and amend the agreement.
The DFA emphasized that the proposed revisions are “limited in scope” and do not involve joint patrols or cooperation in “sensitive operational areas.”
It added that the discussions align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain open communication with China while firmly asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea under international law.