PHL gov't to continue talks with US on Tubbataha compensation -- DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): PHL gov't to continue talks with US on Tubbataha compensation -- DFA

The Philippine government will continue its talks with the United States for full compensation for the damage caused on Tubbataha Reef by an American naval vessel last year even as the Supreme Court dismissed a petition by activists to seek higher payment for the incident.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DFA took note of the decision by the High Court on the Petition for Writ of Kalikasan with regards to the damage on the protected maritime sanctuary but noted that negotiations for compensation will be pursued.

"We will continue our ongoing discussions with the US government on the matter of securing full compensation for the damage caused to the Tubbataha Reef, and will be guided by the Supreme Court decision and the advice ofthe Office of the Solicitor General.," the DFA said.

"We will also continue to work with other government agencies to enhance navigational safety in the area and presrve the reef and its marine environment.," it added.

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