Palawan seeks court declaration on Malampaya share

Holding placards and streamers with the words "Karapatan ng Palawan, Ipaglaban", over a thousand Palawenos amassed near the Puerto Princesa City Justice Hall Wednesday morning (May 7) to support the petition of the provincial government of Palawan for the Regional Trial Court to declare that the Camago-Malampaya Gas project is within the territorial jurisdiction of the province.

Gov. Joel T. Reyes filed the petition for a declaratory relief at the Puerto Princesa City RTC on behalf of his constituents. With Reyes were Vice-Governor David Ponce de Leon, City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, and other provincial, city and municipal officials.

At the Justice Hall, Palawenos cheered and applauded their provincial leaders as soon as they came out of the RTC after the filing of the case. "We finally took the bold step to secure Palawan’s rightful share from the proceeds of the Camago-Malampaya gas project. With one voice, we are asking the National Government to recognize our rights as provided for in the constitution and in the Local Government Code," Reyes stated.

He added that the declaratory relief is meant to compel the national government to recognize Palawan’s share which should have been released to the province since the start of the commercial operation of the project in 2001.

"For almost a year, we have been negotiating with the national government. Surprisingly, however, our people’s recommendations for a just and fair agreement have not been heeded. This is why we decided to bring the matter to court. We’re confident in this move as it is supported not only by the local leaders of the City of Puerto Princesa and the 23 municipalities, but by Palawenos all over the province," Reyes added.

Considered the biggest single investment in the country today, Camago-Malampaya is a 20-year multi-billion project operated by Shell Philippines Exploration, B.V. Commercial operations of the project are expected to generate total revenues in billions of dollars for the national government and the host government during the duration of the contract period.