The Philippines said it has continued to uphold peace amid the "unlawful actions" causing serious incidents in the South China Sea eight years after the awarding of the arbitral award on the disputed waters in 2016.
In a statement on the 8th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award that favored the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated that the award is a testament to the "unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes."
"Over the years, the Philippines has continued to demonstrate this commitment to peace even in the face of the unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents in the South China Sea, without ever diminishing our resolve to protect and promote our people’s interest and the full and responsible enjoyment of our legally settled maritime entitlements and its accompanying rights and jurisdictions," the DFA said.
This determination, it added, has only been strengthened by the broadening affirmation of the legal value of the Award as a positive and legitimate source of international law.
Manila has also thanked all countries that have shown their support since the awarding of the arbitral award.
"We are encouraged by the expressions of support made by other States that confirm the final and binding status of the Award, including the G7’s consistent reaffirmation that it is a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea," the DFA said.
It also welcomed the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion on Climate Change, which cited "the Award as authoritative in key parts of the ruling, with multiple States or groups of States referencing the Award as legal authority in their respective oral and written statements, underscoring its unassailable status as part of the corpus of international law."
"The Award is a reaffirmation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and protects our rights as a coastal state and a seafaring people," the DFA further said.
"Every effort to secure our legitimate interests in our maritime domain is a testament to the determination and courage of the Filipino people, while showcasing the Philippines’ vision of peace and stability that inspires and resonates beyond the waters of the South China Sea," it added.
The DFA stated that the "Philippines will move forward to chart a course anchored on peace, security and prosperity in our region" with national interest and sovereign rights in mind.