Propitious, that the Philippines will continue pursuing a diplomatic approach and uphold the rule of law in the disputed West Philippine Sea within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
This was underscored by the Department of Foreign Affairs as it expounded on the Marcos administration’s work to defend the country’s rights in the WPS through peaceful means.
The emphasis followed the third State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose explained the Philippines will not waver in pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law in the area.
“In the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine position remains firm. We will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones and find ways forward through diplomacy and dialogue pursuant to what the President articulated during the SONA,” he said in midweek, two days after the President’s address to the nation.
He added: “Our actions will continue to be firmly anchored on the rules-based international order governed by international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.”
Beijing continues to reject the UNCLOS-based award, insisting on its claims based on its controversial nine-dash line over the vast trade route, including Manila’s waters within the West Philippine Sea.
The nine-dash line is a visual representation of China’s claims that appears on some Chinese official maps and comparative maps of disputed claims in the South China Sea.
On July 12, 2016, the arbitral tribunal adjudicating Manila’s case against Beijing in the South China Sea ruled overwhelmingly in favor of Manila, determining major elements of Beijing’s claim – including its nine-dash line, recent land reclamation activities, and other activities in Philippine waters – were unlawful.
While the Philippine side continues to pursue the diplomatic approach, the other side must also do the same, given the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting.
That provided the momentum for a series of consultations that led to the recently concluded “Arrangement on the Principles and Approaches” to be be observed during the Philippines’ resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal within the Philippines 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
We feel, alongside like-minded Filipinos, this understanding, reached without prejudicing the Philippine and Chinese positions over the South China Sea, is a “positive contribution to deescalate tensions” in the area.
We hear once more President Marcos, whose address to the nation continues to echo vibrantly the Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its maritime rights he stressed were no mirage of the Filipinos’ mind.
His words: “The West Philippine Sea is ours. And it will remain ours as our love for our country remains ablaze.”
The President was right on the nail.
