Clarifications re politics even in climate change

There is a great deal of truth in the title of Ms. Marichu A. Villanueva’s COMMONSENSE column today (Nov. 26), “Politics even in climate change.” Some of her assertions, however, need clarification.

Last July, when we were approached by South Korea to support its bid to host the United Nations Climate Conference in 2012, I merely expressed willingness to consider supporting their idea of hosting. This being an environmental event, we acted as the sole agency on Korea’s request.

There was absolutely no earlier information about a priority choice of the Department of Foreign Affairs communicated to us. It was only on November 17, 2010 that the DFA — through a letter of Usec Erlinda Basilio — informed us that it already endorsed Qatar’s bid on May 19, 2010.

Usec. Basilio was in fact very upset with the way her letter was misused in the press, which portrayed me as committing a diplomatic faux pas. She clarified that there was really no damage done, contrary to what was being played out in the media. Far from truth, there was no reason for a rebuke. 

According to the DFA, there was no violation since the hosting of COP-18 required no voting, only a consensual decision among attendees at Cancun, venue of COP-16 this December. We committed no faux pas because this was part of a normal consensus-building effort. Both Korea and Qatar delegates are expected to meet at Cancun to agree on dates each country can host separate climate change events.

In endorsing South Korea, we took into account that country’s globally-prominent Green Growth Plan. Koreans interface with us extensively. Thousands of their students are in our schools. Their investments, both recreational and light industries, abound here. Former President Fidel V. Ramos led Philippine troops in the Korean War, a bonding in democracy we annually celebrate with Koreans. In that same war, an 18-year old journalist, Ninoy Aquino, began his journey into Philippine history.

South Korea was also one of the first countries to support our call to cut carbon dioxide under our “deep and early cut” by committing to reduce 30 percent of its greenhouse gas emission by 2020. This call was made at the UNFCCC’s COP-14 in Poznan in December 2008.

On the Copenhagen Accord issue, President Arroyo authorized us to endorse the position of “deep and early cuts” as a way of compelling industrialized countries to drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This accord, which is part of UNFCCC’s climate negotiation, reflected that same position, endorsing in effect the Philippine stance.

While the Philippine position did not totally adhere to the accord, it was not out of bounds. It was a necessary bargaining chip which advanced the cause of low-emission nations. It is the nature of negotiations for parties to demand widely varying options, and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

Appointing the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as the official National Implementing Entity (NIE) of the Philippines should not be an issue. There was no violation of policy here, and the choice of LBP is subject to the approval of the UN. This was an executive decision on my part to comply with the UN requirement and to enable the commission to accept donor funds. The LBP is one of two large depository banks of the government which has the capability to manage public funds in the most transparent manner.

Thank you for your attention.