Category: Territory

From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On Associate Justice Carpio’s remarks that PRRD gave green light to China reclamation activities in WPS

President Rodrigo R. Duterte maintains a two-track approach to our relationship with PROC; one, to grow our healthy economic, trade and investment relationships, and to ensure that our arbitral rights in the WPS are not compromised, more so now through the newly established bilateral consultation mechanism to manage disputes in the area.

Gov’t prepares for typhoon “Lawin”, 17 Oct. 2016

The government is now preparing to cushion the possible impact of typhoon “Lawin” (international codename: Haima), which was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

Authorities closely monitoring activities in West Philippine Sea, says Palace official

Malacanang on Sunday assured that authorities are keeping a close watch on activities in the West Philippine Sea. Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said the safety of the public is the government’s main concern as he noted the recent warning issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The CAAP on Saturday alerted aircraft pilots in anticipation of China’s rocket launch on Hainan Read More

President Aquino hopes Philippines would be able to cope with future South China Sea challenges

Two weeks before leaving office, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he hopes the country would be better prepared to address the challenges posed by the International Arbitral Tribunal’s decision on the case filed by the Philippines against China. In an interview in Binondo, Manila on Friday, the President was asked to comment on recent developments in the South China Sea, as well as the statement of the Association of Read More

Filing of case against China over maritime dispute in accordance with the law, says Palace official

A Palace official has reiterated that the Philippines’ move to present its case against China to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is in accordance with the law. The Philippines questioned China’s territorial claim in the South China Sea in its petition to the United Nations court under the UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “Ang inihaing petisyon ng Pilipinas sa Permanent Court of Arbitration ay Read More

Malacanang reacts to China’s comment on South China issue

The Palace responded to China’s statement saying the international arbitral tribunal hearing the case filed by the country is “bias in favor of the Philippines.” “In expressing concern over the South China Sea issue, the Group of Seven or G7 Declaration affirmed the importance of upholding the rule of law,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. He said Adherence to the rule Read More

Rule of law is still the great equalizer among South China Sea claimants, says President Aquino

SAN JOSE, Tarlac: With more than a month before stepping down from power, President Aquino reiterated his administration’s position in the South China Sea issue saying adherence to international law is still the best equalizer among claimant countries in resolving the dispute. In an interview during the launch of an irrigation project here, the President also reacted to accusations that his administration committed treason as the Chinese took control of Read More

Seeking arbitration over maritime dispute with China is reasonable, says Palace official

A Palace official on Sunday said the Philippines is right in seeking the assistance of the international arbitration court to resolve its case against China over disputed territory in the South China Sea. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the participation of the Philippines in the arbitration proceedings is in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China has refused to Read More