Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 162)
The subject matter of Memorandum Circular No. 162 is the guidelines on matters pertaining to North Borneo (Sabah), particularly the protection of the Philippines' historical and legal rights over parts of North Borneo as recognized under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The claim is based on Article 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which defines the National Territory of the Philippines.
The Philippine Constitution provides that the country adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations, advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes.
No. Section 1 specifically prohibits any Department, agency, or instrumentality of the Philippine Government from making any act or statement expressing or implying recognition of a foreign state's sovereignty over North Borneo (Sabah) or non-recognition of Philippine title or rights.
Such official activity, act, or statement must be carried out only with the clearance of or after consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as provided in Section 2.
Section 3 mandates that reference to North Borneo (Sabah) in official documents should not include it as part of a larger national or federal territory.
Examples include Philippine passports, agreements, agreed minutes, joint communiques, record of discussions, and similar documents.
According to Section 4, Philippine government officials visiting North Borneo (Sabah) must provide the Department of Foreign Affairs with a report on their travel thereto.
The memorandum took effect immediately upon its signing on August 20, 2008.