Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo underscored the commitment of the Philippines in its maritime claims in the South China Sea.
“President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has repeatedly underscored the Philippines adherence to an open, inclusive, and rules based international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and justice,” Manalo said in the International Media Conference in Manila.
According to Manalo, the country has championed a consistent position on this matter and that Maritime claims of the South China Sea cannot go beyond the enclose.
“No country can claim almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its territory and use such a claim to justify illegal and dangerous actions in waters over which we have sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” Manalo continued.
In context of the recent incidents happening in the West Philippine Sea, Manalo addressed the public and said that “many of you have witnessed for yourselves the harassment and intimidation our people have faced. Many of you have also reported on how our people have been blocked from their legitimate sources of livelihood.”
“Our transparency initiative in the West Philippine Sea is just one of several approaches that we have been implementing, but it’s a key component that has significantly contributed to the public’s awareness of the situation,” he added.
Manalo declared the Philippines’ strong position in implementing the 2016 arbitral award in reference to UNCLOS.
“Only faithful implementation of the rules in the maritime space can effectively reduce conflict over maritime boundaries and resource claims, thereby promoting peace and stability at sea.”