Philippine negotiator Naderev ‘Yeb’ Saño’s absence at the ongoing UN climate talks in Lima, Peru, doesn’t augur well, even as storms both literal and figurative loom in the horizon.Day one of the UN climate talks here in Lima is just about to end, and the two things I feared the most are already happening.

First and foremost, another potentially strong typhoon is headed to the Philippines for the third consecutive UN Conference of Parties (COP) on climate change. The typhoon is internationally called Hagupit.

It just so happens to be the Filipino word for lash.

This is oddly fitting given my second fear: That the dynamics within the Philippine delegation are threatening to become bigger news than their positions, policies or performance. The climate talks haven’t even started when news about Philippine negotiator Naderev ‘Yeb’ Saño being kept out of the delegation circulated in Manila then in Lima.

International civil society figures here in Lima are tentatively commenting on the issue.

“It is powerful to see the movement that Yeb sparked catch fire but it’s strange that he is not here to join us in Lima. Yeb’s absence is very curious given the significant leadership role he has played at these talks fighting for the rights of people suffering from climate change,” Christian Aid’s Mohamed Adow said during the Fast for the Climate action in Lima and in the Pacific island of Tuvalu earlier today, in solidarity with Yolanda survivors and other climate-impacted people.

“It has certainly left many wondering if this could be due to pressure being brought to bear on small countries like the Philippines by those whose interests such powerful voices threaten,” said Friends of the Earth UK’s Asad Rehman in the Indian newspaper Business Standard. He referred to the absence both of Yeb and climate negotiations veteran Bernarditas Muller, who is well-known as a thorn in the side of developed countries.

It would be a shame if the delegation disregards not only his expertise but also his passion for the climate cause. And it would be a bigger shame if the Philippine government puts other governments’ interests above its own, especially when it comes to our very survival.

But in spite of it all, the country team must focus on positions rather than personalities. There are so many issues that the delegation must get its act together on.

First, the Philippines must go all out in pushing developed countries to provide the ‘means of implementation’ for adaptation. Even the most basic requirements in the making of national adaptation plans, such as risk assessments, will require substantial investments not only in funds but also in technology transfer and capacity-building.

Adaptation must also be included in the national targets which all countries must submit early next year in preparation for the new climate deal, which is expected to be agreed on in Paris by the end of 2015. As it stands, these so-called ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ only cover mitigation or emissions-reduction activities, which is not fair for poor and vulnerable countries like ours which have minimal emissions but suffer the most because of climate change.

However, this is not to say that Philippines neither could nor should also submit mitigation targets. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, solid waste management, and even forest conservation targets go beyond the fulfillment of international commitments; they are a must if the Philippines truly wants to pursue sustainable development.

There are also various discussions on climate finance which are of extreme importance to the country, such as the need to increase annual contributions to the Green Climate Fund, ensuring long-term finance, and requiring financial support for the INDCs. In addition, the Warsaw loss and damage mechanism must also be fleshed out, and be recognized as an important part of the talks beyond adaptation and mitigation.

If we have to focus on the delegation’s composition, it is also disappointing that few national agencies are here in Lima. The Department of Agriculture is thankfully always a strong presence, while the renewed interest of the National Economic and Development Authority in the negotiations is highly welcome. However, the all-important Departments of Energy and Finance are conspicuously absent, even in the technical meetings for the climate talks back home. Their key officials may be occupied with domestic matters, but in order to implement a global climate deal in Paris next year, we need to respect its impact at home.

Some advisers from civil society organizations are also included in the delegation, although many key members are missing. This is a shame because government officials have always acknowledged the substantial contributions of non-governmental experts in international negotiations. CSOs still have a space in technical consultations, but the divide is bigger than ever.

Storm clouds are brewing both in Manila and Lima. There is still a good chance though that the typhoon strays away from the Philippines. Here in Lima though, the Philippine delegation needs to clear the air before the thunder strikes.

This piece was originally published on GMA News Philippines