Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday stated that the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea (SCS) represents a victory for Filipino fisherfolk and coastal communities, emphasizing that adherence to international maritime law remains 'non-negotiable, irreplaceable, non-optional.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the significance of this ruling during a diplomatic reception in Pasay City, marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark decision. He underscored the necessity of safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of communities dependent on the sea. Marcos described the award as not just a legal victory but as having profound human significance, emphasizing its impact on people and their livelihoods.
In his keynote speech, Marcos articulated that the 2016 arbitral award is more than an abstract legal triumph, as it holds a deeply human dimension. He mentioned that it concerns fisherfolk whose families have been fishing in these waters for generations, deserving the right to fish in peace and safety, with dignity to support their families. He also highlighted the importance of the award for coastal communities whose survival is linked to the health and ecological integrity of the oceans.
Marcos stressed that defending the rule of law is essential for protecting people's lives, livelihoods, and future. He asserted that international maritime law must continue to be the cornerstone for resolving disputes and addressing challenges related to the world's oceans. The 2016 ruling bolstered confidence in international tribunals and reinforced the principle that agreements must be respected, according to Marcos.
He emphasized that the law exists to protect the vulnerable and shield human dignity from raw power. The significance of the award, he noted, extends beyond the Philippines' coastlines. Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Marcos asserted that the Philippines' path forward is clear and absolute, with a steadfast commitment to the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS. He outlined that pursuing peace is not passive but requires the courage to defend what is right, uphold international commitments, and engage constructively with those seeking mutual respect and shared prosperity.
The reception underscored the administration's ongoing commitment to upholding the 2016 arbitral award, which affirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements under international law and rejected China's expansive maritime claims in the SCS. On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China violated the Philippines' sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to prevent Chinese nationals from fishing in Philippine territory.
