Positive development in West Philippine Sea drama
The Permanent Court of Arbitration will proceed in hearing the Philippines case against China concerning the West Philippine Sea on its merits.
Arbitration is an open, friendly, durable and rules-based dispute-settlement mechanism.
We believe that this will serve to clarify maritime entitlements of all littoral states in the South China Sea, paving the way for a resolution to the dispute in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Philippines remains open to China’s participation in further hearings.
This development affirms the rule of law and respect for UNCLOS.
In view of this welcome development, the Philippines is now readying itself for the hearings, which will be announced sometime soon by the Arbitral Tribunal.
Jay Francis G Alcantara
Charge d’Affaires, Philippine Embassy, Bangkok
