31/08/2024
Upholding the Arbitral Ruling: A Moral and Legal Imperative for the Philippines
Pat L. Pacquiao
The 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which unequivocally declared the Philippines' sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stands as a landmark victory for international law and maritime justice.
It is not merely a legal document but a testament to the Philippines' unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and a beacon of hope for smaller nations facing similar challenges.
Upholding this ruling is not just a matter of national pride, but a moral and legal imperative that the Philippines must resolutely embrace.
Firstly, the ruling reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the WPS, a region teeming with rich marine resources crucial for the country's economic prosperity and national security.
China's persistent disregard for the ruling and its aggressive actions in the WPS, including the construction of artificial islands and militarization of the area, pose a direct threat to these rights.
Upholding the ruling serves as a powerful deterrent to such actions, ensuring that the Philippines can freely exercise its sovereign rights within its EEZ, contributing to our sustainable development and regional stability.
Secondly, the ruling strengthens the international legal framework governing maritime disputes, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which China itself ratified. By upholding the ruling, the Philippines demonstrates our commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.
This, in turn, contributes to a more stable and predictable international order, where disputes are resolved through legal means rather than through force or intimidation.
Thirdly, upholding the ruling is a matter of national pride and sovereignty. The Philippines has a long and proud history of maritime traditions, with the WPS forming an integral part of its national identity.
The ruling recognizes this history and reaffirms the Philippines' rightful claim to its maritime territory.
To ignore or disregard the ruling would be a betrayal of the nation's history, oir people, and our future.
However, upholding the ruling requires more than just words. It demands a proactive and assertive approach from the government including:
• Diplomatic engagement: Continued diplomatic efforts to persuade China to respect the ruling and engage in meaningful dialogue.
• International cooperation: Seeking support from other nations, particularly those who have also suffered from China's aggressive actions in the WPS, to build a united front against such behavior.
• Strengthening national defense: Investing in modernizing our military capabilities to ensure our ability to defend our territorial integrity and protect our maritime interests.
• Public awareness: Educating the Filipino people about the importance of the ruling and the challenges facing the country in the WPS.
Upholding the arbitral ruling is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative for our country. It is a matter of national pride, economic prosperity, and regional stability.
Lastly, by resolutely defending our rights and working with the international community, the Philippines can ensure that the ruling serves as a lasting testament to its commitment to international law and a beacon of hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. PLP
