It’s time for the Philippines to gather international support to assert its sovereignty, Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said Tuesday in a statement.
“Together with the Filipino people, I welcome the award made by the international tribunal at The Hague,” Leonen said.
“This historic event provides our people under the leadership of our government the opportunity to galvanize international support to assert our sovereignty,” he said, adding that the decision of the tribunal “also challenges all parties and the international community’s ability to respect international law and resolve disputes in a peaceful manner.”
He said the decision that does not only say that the nine-dash line is against Unclos but also China’s actions are unlawful gave justice to the poor communities in the area and the soldiers guarding the Philippine territory.
“I have personally seen the difficulties of communities in these areas and heard the travails of our fishers. I have also witnessed the women and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines devote their lives to protect what is ours. This ruling delivers justice for all of them as well,” Leonen said.
He said the country should maintain vigilance “and do what we can to ensure that the rule of law continues to prevail. It is the peaceful and just way.” TVJ