MANILA – The government will use the international tribunal ruling invalidating China’s claim over the entire South China Sea “at the proper time,” National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.
Esperon assured that the government is not remiss in finding diplomatic approaches to address issues over the South China Sea, officially recognized in the country as the West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippine government continuously monitors the actions of the various claimants” in the disputed area, he said.
“We note with serious concern the growing militarization in the area, such as the deployment of military assets, especially on features near the Philippine territory,” the national security official said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs already raised the militarization issue at the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between China and the Philippines, said Esperon.
As for the 2016 The Hague decision that favored the arbitration case the Philippines lodged against China, Esperon said the Duterte administration will take “full advantage” of the landmark ruling “at the proper time.”
“This administration does not and will not abandon the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the South China Sea disputes,” he stressed.
“This is merely set aside in the meantime in line with the efforts of government at promoting peace, stability and cordial relations among claimant countries in the region,” said Esperon.
Meanwhile the port and airstrip facilities in the West Philippine Sea are being upgraded, Esperon announced.
“This is necessary for trade, the preservation of the livelihood of the fisherfolk, and the timely delivery of basic necessities of the community in the municipality of Pag-asa,” he said.
“Lighthouses are also being constructed on features held by the Philippines to ensure safety of navigation [in line with] our responsibility under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) to provide navigational safety for all international vessels transiting the West Philippine Sea,” said Esperon./PN
