Open letter lauding PNOC directors’ move to block Malampaya deal

INQUIRER FILE

We, the undersigned, all citizens of the Philippines, wish to express in the strongest possible terms agreement and support for what now appears, in view of the attendant circumstances, a very difficult decision you had made.

Your decision to withhold consent to the SPEX-Malampaya Energy XP (Udenna) deal is completely justified and in order. It is very important to the national interest to protect PNOC- EC’s ten percent (10 %) participating interest in the service contract amounting to some PhP 3-5 billion and more importantly, to safeguard the National Government’s sixty percent (60%) share in the net profits of about PhP 75 billion annually. This important decision has rightly put the national interest above those interested parties who are on the brink of amassing vast profits at the expense of the country and its future. You have done and performed your sworn duty as members of the Board of Directors. And we thank you for this signal act of patriotism.

We request you to please remain steadfast. And for those who may have had the contrary position to rethink and reconsider from the perspective of the long-term national interest. The Board has done our people and the future generations of Filipinos a great service. We hope that as a result of your assertive wisdom prevailing on this issue, SPEX will be obligated to stay as Operator and continue to provide an expert, technically competent, safe and healthy environment for the Malampaya operations.

Should any circumstances arise in the future when you, as the duly appointed Board of PNOC- EC, are subjected to any kind of pressure from any source or quarter to change your firm resolve to protect the interest of the current and future generations of Filipinos, please be assured of our staunch and unwavering support for the decision you have taken in the performance of your duty as members of the Board and as true patriotic citizens of this beloved country.

Sincerely, SIGNED:

Dr. Celia Lamkin, Founder and Global Chairperson , National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS)

Justice Antonio Carpio (Ret.)

Ambassador Albert del Rosario (Ret.)

Mr. Leonardo Cuaresma, Scarborough Shoal Fishermen Leader, Masinloc, Zambales

Mr. Ramon De Leon, Private Citizen, Noveleta, Cavite, Philippines

Mr. Sonny Fernandez, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
Mr. Jerry T. F. Adevoso, Grand Commander, Golden Kris Fraternal Society, Inc.

(descendants of Filipino WWII Veterans), Philippines

Reverend Monsignor Jerry Bitoon, Catholic Priest, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Mr. Medardo M. Alfonso, Founder and Chairman, CATANGCAS AGUMAN CAPAMPANGAN (SAMAHAN NG MGA KAPAMPANGAN SA ITALYA), Rome, Italy

Honorable Ambassador Bayani Mangibin, Retired Ambassador, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Republic of the Philippines, Iloilo City, Philippines

Prof. Nicanor O. Melecio, Convenor/Moderator MAKAKALIKASAN(Nature Party Philippines) Dagupan City Chapter, Pangasinan, Philippines

Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, Rome, Italy

December 21, 2021