Memorandum Circular No. 162, issued on August 20, 2008, outlines guidelines regarding the Philippines' claims over North Borneo (Sabah) based on historical and legal rights established in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It emphasizes the need to protect these rights while promoting peaceful resolutions to disputes. Key provisions include prohibiting any Philippine government entity from recognizing foreign sovereignty over Sabah and requiring all official activities or statements related to the territory to be coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, references to Sabah in official documents must not imply its integration into another national territory, and government officials must report any visits to the area.
August 20, 2008
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 162
GUIDELINES ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO NORTH BORNEO (SABAH)
WHEREAS, by virtue of Article 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution on National Territory, the Philippines has historical and legal right over certain parts of North Borneo (Sabah);
WHEREAS, it is in the national interest to safeguard the country's historical and legal right in North Borneo (Sabah); cADSCT
WHEREAS, the Philippines believes in the peaceful resolution of disputes with neighboring countries as provided under the same Constitution,which expressly states that the Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations;
WHEREAS, there is a need for guidelines with regard to activities, acts or statements in relation to North Borneo (Sabah) for the protection of the said rights;
WHEREFORE, the following guidelines are hereby prescribed:
SECTION 1. No Department, agency, or instrumentality of the Philippine Government shall make any act or statement expressing or implying, directly or indirectly, any recognition of a foreign state's sovereignty over North Borneo (Sabah) or non-recognition of Philippine title or historical and legal rights to the same.
SECTION 2. Any official activity, act or statement relating to North Borneo (Sabah) or which may have bearing on the Philippine claim to said territory shall be carried out only with the clearance of or after consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs. ETHCDS
SECTION 3. Reference to North Borneo (Sabah) in official documents should not include its being part of a larger national/federal territory. These documents include, but are not limited to, the following: Philippine passports, agreement, agreed minutes, joint communiqués, record of discussions, and similar documents.
SECTION 4. Philippine government officials visiting North Borneo (Sabah) shall provide the DFA with a report on their travel thereto.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.