MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed that discussions to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) are being conducted transparently and through proper diplomatic channels, rejecting claims that the negotiations are secretive or unilateral.

The DFA said it “categorically rejects characterizations of these discussions as opaque, unilateral, or conducted without the PCG’s knowledge and participation.”

The department emphasized that the PCG has been actively involved in the talks, noting that both coast guards originally signed an MOU in 2016 establishing a Joint Coast Guard Committee on maritime cooperation.

It added that since 2024, both sides have been negotiating updates to the agreement.

The DFA said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan was briefed on January 27, 2026, regarding the status of the negotiations and the latest draft amendments, and had requested DFA assistance in coordinating with Chinese counterparts.

“Admiral Gavan also requested DFA assistance in seeking an update from the CCG on the proposed amendments,” the DFA said.

The agency also said the discussions extend beyond formal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meetings and involve coordination among key officials, including the National Security Adviser and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

According to the DFA, the proposed amendments are “limited in scope” and primarily seek to re-establish the Joint Coast Guard Committee as a communication mechanism between the two agencies.

“The MOU does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, particularly joint patrols,” the DFA clarified.

It added that all developments have been reported to relevant officials, including the National Security Adviser in his role as NTF-WPS chair, the Foreign Affairs Secretary, and the PCG leadership.

The DFA also said the original 2016 agreement created a framework for maritime cooperation, with ongoing talks since 2024 aimed at updating it.

The department stressed that the negotiations are consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain open communication with China while asserting Philippine sovereignty and rights under international law.

It cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea as legal bases for the country’s maritime position.

“These discussions are consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s standing directive to maintain open lines of communication with China, even as the Philippines firmly upholds its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction under international law—particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award—across all its maritime zones, including the West Philippine Sea,” the DFA said.