Robredo, Morales’ remarks on PH-China oil deal ‘unfair’

Panelo said both Robredo and Morales based their comments merely on media reports, and not on the actual document itself, which the Palace released to the public. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday described the remarks made by Vice President Leni Robredo and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation on oil and gas development between the Philippines and China as “premature, baseless, and unfair”.

Panelo said both Robredo and Morales based their comments merely on media reports, and not on the actual document itself, which the Palace released to the public.

“The two ladies, therefore, may have not studied nor even read the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development prior to their manifesting their misplaced observations and apprehensions, not to mention the unkind accusations,” Panelo said.

Panelo also expressed disappointment on how Robredo and Morales, both lawyers, failed to understand the purpose of the MOU which was signed during the two-day state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov. 20 and 21.

“Sadly, disappointment comes to mind as expectations for their being trained in the law have not been reached. Legal minds are not only analytically exacting but judicious as well,” Panelo said.

He reiterated that the MOU is only “an agreement to agree on certain things” which meant it served as a framework for a future agreement based on mutual respect on each other’s sovereignty.

“Under the MOU, the two governments agreed to establish an inter-governmental joint steering committee and inter-entrepreneurial working group to look into possible energy cooperation,” Panelo said.

Panelo also denied claims that the MOU will create rights or obligations under international or domestic law which may delineate the country’s territory or sovereign rights.

He described the apprehensions of Robredo and Carpio as “more imaginary than real”.

Malacañang provided members of the media with copies of the MOU in both English and Chinese languages.

Under the MOU, both Philippine and Chinese governments “have decided to negotiate on an accelerated basis arrangements to facilitate oil and gas exploration and exploitation in relevant maritime areas consistent with applicable rules of international law”.

It also states that “the two governments will endeavor to agree on the cooperation agreements within 12 months of this Memorandum of Understanding”.

“This Memorandum of Understanding and all discussions, negotiations and activities of the two governments or their authorized enterprises under or pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding will be without prejudice to the respective legal positions of both governments. This Memorandum of Understanding does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law,” it added.