Solon wants recognition for Aquino, PH team after win vs China

Former President Benigno Aquino III.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines—Muntinlupa City Representative Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon on Wednesday filed a resolution asking Congress to give recognition to former President Benigno Aquino III and the team of Philippine officials in the arbitration case against China for “successfully defending” the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) based in The Hague, Netherlands.

“They deserve the highest accolades and gratitude of a thankful nation for the patriotism and nationalism which they displayed as they stood up for the rights and interests of the Filipino people in the defense of the Philippine case,” Biazon said in his two-page resolution.

READ: Philippines wins arbitration case vs. China over South China Sea

Biazon said it was the former President who provided the “leadership in pursuing and defending Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea in a peaceful manner and in accordance with international laws and principles.”

The Philippine officials from the various government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Justice Department and the Office of the Solicitor General should be recognized for their “dedication, expertise, and professionalism… that led to the efficient and effective handling” of the case that led to the favorable ruling of the PCA, Biazon said.

Biazon described the tribunal’s ruling as a “victory for the Philippines and a triumph for the rule of law.”

READ: Aquino on arbitral court ruling: ‘A victory for all’

The ruling “is timely and will hopefully stabilize the situation in the West Philippine Sea and the entire Asian Region which has been precarious due to (the) unlawful activities of China,” Biazon said. RAM