The document summarizes a seminar report on the Philippines' claim to Sabah. It discusses the historical basis for the Sultanate of Sulu's ownership of North Borneo, which became the territory of Sabah. Over time, through agreements and annexations, control of the territory was transferred to British and Malaysian authorities despite objections from the Philippines. The document also analyzes why some Philippine leaders neglected to pursue the claim, tracing it back to an agreement between Ninoy Aquino and the Malaysian prime minister. Overall, the seminar aimed to increase understanding of the Moro people and debate approaches to resolving the long-standing territorial dispute over Sabah.

1. JEWEL D. MERCADER
Museum Researcher - I
1
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES
Anthropology Division
Seminar Report on Philippines’ Right to Sabah Claim
In the midst of the current issue on the administration’s neglect on pursuing Philippine’s
claim to Sabah, a public forum on Understanding the Moro People and Philippines Claim on
Sabah was conducted at the University of the Philippines Diliman last 12th
of March, this year.
Mr. Abraham Idjirani, the Secretary General and National Spokesperson of The Sultanate of
Sulu and North Borneo talked about the historical, legitimate and just claim of the Sultanate of
Sulu over Sabah. This was followed by the former Career Minister and General Consul from the
Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hermes Dorado, who discussed about the Philippines and
Malaysia Governments position and course of actions on the above issue. The Bagong
Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) also participated in the conference wherein their chairperson,
Dr. Carol Araullo shared their analysis and stance over the said matter, in behalf of the rest of
the progressive people’s movement. The conference was culminated by the presence and
personal statement shared by the daughter of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III herself, Princess Jacel
Kiram.
It all started in 1704 when the Sultan of Brunei bestowed the Sulu Sultanate the
ownership and authority to rule over North Borneo in return for helping the former quelling his
enemies. In 1878, the Sulu Sultanate had an agreement with the British North Borneo Company
to lease the North Borneo giving them the freedom to exploit and develop its natural resources,
for a payment of 5000 Malayan dollars per year - which was increased to 5300 dollars in 1903.
It was in 1878 that the British crown misinterpreted the Samal term “padyak” into “cession” or
having ultimate dominion and sovereignty over the disputed land, instead of “lease”. Come the
days when the colonizers dominated and ruled the Philippines, North Borneo remained a rightful
territory of the Sulu Sultanate. In 1906 and in 1920, the United States notified the Great Britain
of this right, however Britain proceeded to annex North Borneo as a colony in 1946. In the 1935
Philippine Constitution, it is clearly stated that the premise of Philippine territory roots from its
historical rights and legal claims. In 1962, the Sulu Sultanate gave in under the sovereignty of
the Republic of the Philippines. After then, the Macapagal administration authorized the
Philippine government to file the Sabah claim case to the United Nations. After Marcos Regime,
the issue remained dormant. Ramos and Estrada never tried enough to accomplish things in the
success of the pursuit. And now, with the Aquino administration, apparently they did not just
show disinterest or neglect – they have even threatened those who fight for this right. We might
want to have a deeper understanding on why previous leaders of the country suddenly became
apathetic of such a crucial matter. Mr. Hermes Dorado took the floor and helped the audience
be enlightened over the said issue.
The Malacanan’s indifference towards Philippines’ claim on Sabah rooted from the days
of Aquinos’ struggle against the Marcos regime. Mr. Dorado laid down the truth – that on the
day Ninoy Aquino bravely faced his death on August 21, 1983, earlier that day, he went to
Malaysia to meet the Prime Minister then, Mohammed Mahathir to ask for help in confronting
and ending the dictatorship in Manila. This, in exchange for dropping the Sabah claim when the

2. JEWEL D. MERCADER
Museum Researcher - I
2
Aquinos gain power. The above information was indirectly confirmed by General Ileto (the
Philippine Ambassador in Bangkok who was assigned to accompany Ninoy) to Mr. Dorado. As
continued, Mahathir refused to attend the ASEAN SUMMIT in Manila until President Cory
Aquino committed to amend Article I of the 1973 Philippine Constitution. This eradicated the
part which states that all other areas belonging to the Philippines by historic right or title are of
the country’s territory.
Apart from the crucial information shared above, others would say that the neglect to
validity of Philippine sovereignty to Sabah is caused by the country’s longtime subservience to
US imperialism as to what happened in Macapagal - US dictated then the Macapagal
administration to put Indonesia’s Sukarno aside through tripartite Maphilindo scheme, to give
way to the formation of Malaysia without demanding to not incorporate Sabah in the federation.
The attitude displayed by the Aquino encouraging the Malaysian authorities to resort on
exploitive and despotic measures to get away with the Filipinos fighting for Sabah, is viewed as
treachery to its countrymen. Nevertheless, history, as far as wrong decisions made or selfish
acts pursued by previous leaders of the country are concerned, could only help so much in
determining the reasons behind events occurring at present – however it does not give the
solution. Communication and constant dialogue between both concerned parties are most vital
and will never be too late to take resort into. Peaceful and professional talks over the matter
might just save a verdict which carries the best interest of everyone’s welfare. Apparently,
Philippines and Malaysia are part of a bigger union and alliance of ASEAN countries – a relation
and network which is imperative to continue to nurture, for our own good and protection. On the
other hand, standing for what is fair and righteous is a safe and strong ground to pursue and
fight for something. Let us weigh things and see which will truly help develop the well-being and
secure the future of the Filipinos.