The Philippine claim is based on two documents dated Jan 22, 1878.

They attempts because: The Philippine claim is based on two documents dated Jan 22, 1878. 
1.First doc, Sultan Muhammad Jamaluladzam granted (pajak) all his territorial possessions in Borneo (tanah besar Pulau Berunai) to Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent Esquire as representatives of a British Company for yearly payment/quit rent (hasil pajakan) of five thousand dollars (spanish dollars); 
2. Second doc, the said Sultan appointed Overbeck as 'Dato' Bendahara and Rajah of Sandakan, with the fullest powers of a 'supreme ruler' (penghulu pemerintah atas kerajaan tersebut itu)/cited comment from Emeritus Prof.Dr.S Ranjit Singh