Philippine officials representing the country in the United Nations (UN) arbitration case against China are back in The Hague, Netherlands for the first round of arguments.

The hearings are expected to begin Tuesday and last until November 30.

The 48-member delegation is headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Earlier, the international tribunal decided that it has jurisdiction over the Philippines' petition which clarifies issues pertaining to maritime entitlements.

China, which has been building artificial islands over disputed maritime features has refused to participate in the proceedings.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/v1/11/24/15/oral-arguments-begin-for-ph-arbitration-case-vs-china