PHL-U.S. talks on Tubbataha compensation suspended pending SC resolution

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): PHL-U.S. talks on Tubbataha compensation suspended pending SC resolution

Negotiations for compensation by the United States to the Philippinesfor the damage caused by a U.S.warship on internationally-famous Tubbataha Reef off Palawanprovince has been put on hold pending a final decision by the Supreme Court, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Talks were suspended after environmentalists and militant groups filed a complaint against the U.S.before the high court when minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground the reef in January last year, damaging over 4,000 square meters of the coral outcrop.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said there was “progress” in the talks, but Manila and Washington agreed to suspend negotiations until the Supreme Court issues a decision.

“There were commitments on the part of the U.S. to make compensation but further discussion on this were held off because of the case filed with the Supreme Court,” Hernandez said in a press briefing.

Washington has offered compensation to the Philippine government for the damage caused by the U.S. vessel, which has been estimated to cost around P 100 million.

“There has been progress in the discussion between the Philippines and U.S. on the issue of compensation for the damage caused by the USS Guardian on Tubattaha Reef.

However, certain parties filed a case before the SC relating to the issue. As there is pending SC case, we would like to refrain from making further comment,” Hernandez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=602285