DFA launches microsite marking 7th anniversary of West PH Sea arbitral ruling

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday launched a microsite to instill importance to and provide resources about the country’s 2016 arbitral win on the West Philippine Sea.

“To mark the 7th anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, the DFA launches a microsite to provide a central resource for official information and positions on the Award and its contributions to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes through United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea and international law,” said DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo in a statement.

On this day seven years ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that the country has exclusive sovereign rights to the West Philippine Sea.

According to Manalo, among the resources that may be seen on the microsite include materials submitted to the Tribunal and made available by PCA, the legal and geographic scope of the West Philippine Sea, answers to frequently asked questions, as well as other resources relevant to the subject.

“The website is in partial fulfillment of the DFA’s commitment to promote better understanding of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a Philippine contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes through international law,” said Manalo.

Meanwhile, DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce explained that the microsite aims to provide “clearer” information to the public regarding the 2016 arbitral ruling.

“We understand that the issue is complex and may be confusing, so this is an attempt to clear some of the fog. It is a work-in-progress site, but I feel it is an important start to gaining a better understanding of the complex issues faced by the Philippines in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea,” said Ponce.

The DFA microsite can be accessed by clicking this link.

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