President Duterte stated that the Philippine government rejects any influence that will threaten the said ruling.
“The Award is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it. We welcome the increasing number of states that have come in support of the award and what it stands for.”
The President also thanked the countries that constantly support the Philippines regarding the issue.
In relation with this, Retired Justice Antonio Carpio, who was at the forefront of the international court battle pushing for the country’s right on the territory against China, admired President Duterte’s stand before the UNGA.
“I personally commend the strong stand that President Rodrigo Duterte made before the UN General Assembly that the arbitral award in the South China Sea Arbitration is ‘beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.’“
Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario who led the Philippine powerhouse in 2015 suggested “the next step for our President and his administration to put in reality the invocation of the arbitral award: our government should get the support of more countries”.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the standpoint of the Philippines regarding the issue remains. Nothing can erase the arbitral award to the country and there is no change in the country’s relationship with China. The statement made by the President is his stand on the West Philippine Sea. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
