President Duterte's raising of the Philippines' Arbitral award on the South China Sea dispute before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly shows the great importance that the country accords the decision.
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Kabayan Party-List Rep. Ron Salo said this on Friday as House members continue to hail Duterte's historic maiden speech before the world body.
"The statement of President Duterte made at no less than the UN General Assembly manifests the administration’s highest resolve in asserting the primacy and immutability of the Arbitral Award," said Salo, vice-chairman of the Committee on Public Information.
"I am personally elated with President Duterte’s affirmation of the country’s Arbitral Award before the UN General Assembly. I note that the said decision was a resounding victory for the Filipinos in our claim for sovereignty over the disputed areas," he said.
Salo was referring to the Permanent Court of Arbitration's award to the Philippines in July, 2016. The Netherlands-based court's decision essentially invalidated China's controversial nine-dash claim over the entire South China Sea.
The West Philippine Sea, which includes features within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), lies within the South China Sea.
“The Award is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish, or abandon. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it,” Duterte said in his speech.
Salo said: "We are happy to note that other countries have expressed full support to the Arbitral Award."
For Tarlac 2nd district Rep. Victor Yap, the Philippine leader came up with the powerful statements "at a time when it mattered."
"The President showed without doubt his belief--and rightly so--on the South China Sea issue without being combative.
"I'm not much experienced about the realm of foreign policy but at times, diplomacy is needed. The President's stance has been this and I saw it, but when it matters, he certainly knew the basics of sovereignty," added Yap.