DFA underscores peaceful settlement of disputes on UNCLOS anniversary

In commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Department of the Philippines (DFA) on Tuesday reaffirmed its belief in the peaceful means of settling disputes, and the rule of law, and rules-based international order.

In a statement, the DFA said that the Philippines shows its commitment to UNCLOS, which it considers as the constitution of the oceans, by enacting the Philippine Baselines Act, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

“As it upholds its lawful claim to its maritime entitlements, the Philippines has continued to engage coastal neighbors through discussions on the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, and the extended continental shelf, measured from lawfully-drawn baselines where these maritime zones may overlap,” the DFA said.

“This readiness to engage fully within the parameters set by UNCLOS is a testament to our unwavering belief in the peaceful means of settling disputes, and the rule of law and the rules-based international order,” it added.

The DFA also pointed out that it adhered to UNCLOS’ dispute resolution mechanisms through the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration, “underscoring that claims exceeding geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements under UNCLOS are without legal effect.”

“We continue to call for compliance with the 2016 Arbitral Award and we appreciate the growing acknowledgement of the Award as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law,” the agency said.

To recall, the Philippine government sued China before an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague in 2013. It ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China's nine-dash claim over the South China Sea.

China, however, rejected the Philippines’ call to comply with the 2016 arbitration ruling, calling the decision "illegal and invalid.”

The DFA said the Philippines will continue to uphold the provisions and the principles enshrined in UNCLOS to promote national interest and the people’s aspiration for peace and prosperity.

“Just as we played an indelible role in advancing the archipelagic doctrine, we will continue to build upon our significant footprint in enriching the law of the sea, through its three implementing agreements including the BBNJ Agreement, and by taking an active role in deepening collaboration with countries and organizations that is anchored on common interests in ocean protection, conservation, management and governance,” it said.

--VAL, GMA Integrated News