The Philippines has expressed optimism the permanent court of arbitration in The Hague will hand down a “truly just solution” to its case against China over disputed waters.
In his speech before the tribunal Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said and we quote:
“We recognize that the tribunal’s mission is judicial. The tribunal must decide the claims on the basis of the facts and the law, in this case UNCLOS. We submit that on that basis alone, the tribunal must sustain all of the Philippines’ claims, especially in regard to the maritime entitlements of the parties, and the exclusive sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines within 200 miles of its coasts, except for the 12 miles territorial seas around the disputed insular features.”
Del Rosario expressed confidence that the tribunal would interpret and apply the law “in a way that produces a truly just solution,” one that truly promotes peace, security and good neighborliness in the South China Sea.
The Philippine official also thanked the members of the tribunal for their “care, dedication, wisdom and courage” during the proceedings. (Eagle News Service)