Philippines to pursue US' Tubbataha payout

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will continue talks with the United States on the grounding of US Navy warship USS Guardian on Tubbataha Reef last year.

The DFA acknowledged Wednesday the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition seeking a Writ of Kalikasan order to hold American Navy officials criminally, civilly and administratively liable for the accident.

The minesweeper was stranded in the protected marine area in January 2013, causing a wide swath of damage on the reef. The ship was then decommissioned and cut up in March that year.

"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 of the Office of the Solicitor General," the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippine government has demanded $1.5 million for the damage. 

In its ruling on Tuesday, the high court deferred to the executive branch to exercise diplomatic and political powers in demanding for the compensation from the US for the damage.

The DFA, meanwhile, assured continued efforts to protect the environment in coordination with related bodies.

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

The ruling stemmed from environmental groups' plea claiming the grounding, salvaging and post-salvaging operations of the USS Guardian caused and continue to cause environmental damage that affects 11 neighboring provinces.

The court said, however, that the class suit is "deemed one against the US itself," and invoked the principle of state immunity in matters within civil jurisdiction.

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