The Department of National Defense pointed out that the Philippines will use the whole nation approach to assert its rights over the West Philippine Sea in observance of the Constitution whilst respecting treaties that have been put in place. This is being done by working groups negotiating with China under the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) regarding political security, scientific research and marine environment protection. The DND is determined to uphold and respect international laws, particularly the UNCLOS, and the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea established in 2002.
