Palace: PH firm on pushing plea vs China claim

DESPITE the possibility of China not honoring the arbitral tribunal’s ruling, the Philippine government will continue to push for its petition against the Asian giant’s claim over 90 percent of South China Sea.

“Hindi natitinag ang ating posisyon hinggil sa kahalagahan ng rules-based at diplomatic and peaceful solution (We are staunch in our position on the importance of a rules-based, diplomatic and peaceful solution),” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a briefing.

As the Philippine delegation participates in the oral arguments, seeking to determine if the tribunal has jurisdiction over the case, China continues with its reclamation efforts in disputed territories in West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

READ: Sea row case: Hearing on jurisdiction of UN court starts Tuesday

Asked about China snubbing the United Nations arbitral tribunal’s proceedings, he said, “Bawat bansa ay may sariling prinsipyo at prayoridad kaya iyon po ang ating pananaw sa usaping iyan (Every country has its own principles and priorities and that is our view on that issue).”

Experts say China is rushing the completion of artificial islands in reefs claimed by the Philippines in an attempt to achieve a fait accompli (accomplished or irreversible deed).

READ: PH power team to The Hague; UN tribunal to rule first on jurisdiction

Members of the Philippine delegation to The Hague will face the tribunal this evening (afternoon in the Netherlands). Lawyers from the US-based law firm Foley Hoag will present arguments regarding the tribunal’s jurisdiction over the matter.

Coloma said other nations have expressed their support for the Philippines and that he cannot speak for China, which has renewed its calls for bilateral talks. The Philippines has long insisted on an approach that involves other nations because of the overlapping claims in the disputed territories.

The Secretary said that despite the petition, China and Philippines’ bilateral relations remain strong.

He said the relations of the two countries do not only focus on the West Philippine Sea.

Nevertheless, he said the Philippines continues to adhere to the principle of Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Centrality and the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.