2 ex-Solicitors General cite realities in International Arbitration Court ruling on WPS territorial row

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): 2 ex-Solicitors General cite realities in International Arbitration Court ruling on WPS territorial row

Two former Solicitors General who were behind the Philippine legal team in the "maritime dispute" before the International Arbitration Court cited on Wednesday the realities on the decision in the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a press conference, former Solicitor General and now Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Francis H. Jardeleza and former Solicitor General Florin T. Hilbay said the realities of the International Arbitration Court ruling would be that the country will now resort to negotiation and diplomacy with China.

Nevertheless, the two former Solicitors General maintained that since China is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the decision of the International Arbitration Court is binding with China.

They also clarified that the victory of the Philippines in the "maritime dispute" does not necessarily mean the ownership of the disputed territory, but rather, the award of maritime entitlements.

Hilbay even compared the situation now with that of a basketball game wherein the game is already in the second quarter and that the Philippines has won in the "arbitration."

He added that the situation now can be considered as a "Game of Diplomats."

The two former Solicitors General explained that because there is no such thing as "International Police," in the proper time, there would be clarity on how the "enforcement" of the ruling of the arbitration court would be.

Although the ruling cannot be immediately enforced, they said that the country's arguments have already won in the "public opinion."

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