The head of a prominent bilateral organization urged government officials on Monday to allow professional diplomats to lead negotiations with Beijing, while voicing optimism for joint energy projects in the contested South China Sea.
Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) chairman Raul Lambino said leaving bilateral matters to the Department of Foreign Affairs would help stabilize strained relations between the two countries.
Speaking at a media forum in Quezon City, Lambino expressed hope that Manila and Beijing could reach an agreement to jointly explore hydrocarbon resources in the disputed waters, also known locally as the West Philippine Sea.
Lambino, who also serves as PDP-Laban vice president, addressed ongoing domestic legal controversies during the forum, calling the Supreme Court the ultimate arbiter for high-profile political disputes.
He pointed specifically to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the impeachment proceedings targeting Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Each group or side would have their own way of putting up their view, whether or not valid ba ‘yung ICC warrant, etc. etc. I have said my piece about this, I have my own view but this will not conform with the view of the other lawyers,” Lambino said.
“The SC is our last hope to interpret and construct our existing laws or principles in regard to these two important issues,” he said.
The remarks come amid intense debate over the domestic implementation of the ICC warrant for Dela Rosa. The senator faces allegations of criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity linked to the government anti-drug campaign from July 2016 to April 2018.
Local legal experts remain divided on the issue, with some arguing that domestic enforcement requires a local warrant, while others contend the international order stands on its own. Dela Rosa has filed multiple motions challenging the warrant before the high court.
Meanwhile, Duterte and several co-respondents have filed petitions with the Supreme Court seeking to block the impeachment proceedings against her.
During the same event, Lambino announced the 2026 recipients of the Award for the Promotion of Philippines-China Understanding. Former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos led the selection panel.
Hotel entrepreneur Peter Ng, who serves as Baguio Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce president and Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community Executive Committee chairman, is among the 2026 honorees.
