NSA: PH firm on protecting sovereignty vs. encroachment, coercion

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2024): NSA: PH firm on protecting sovereignty vs. encroachment, coercion (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippines will remain steadfast in standing against any territorial encroachments that undermine its sovereignty.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año made this assurance as Manila marks the 8th anniversary of the historic Arbitral Award on the South China Sea on Friday.

"For the Philippines — notwithstanding the challenges we face —we will continue to stand our ground and push back against coercion, interference, malign influence and other tactics that seek to jeopardize our security and stability," Año said in his speech at the Stratbase ADR Institute's forum titled "The 8th Year of the Arbitral Victory: A Collective Pursuit of Maritime Security in the West Philippine Sea" at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

"We will do all of these not merely for the country’s interests, but more importantly, for our common interests in the Indo-Pacific Region and beyond," he added.

Año also stressed that respect and adherence to international law should neither be optional nor should be based on a state's own liking, benefit, or convenience, stressing this is crucial in ensuring world order.

"We must then work arm-in-arm to vigorously pursue this collective vision — showing to the world that it is workable and possible to give rise to a free, peaceful, and secured world — if, and only if, we act sincerely and responsibly under international laws that govern, unite, and bind us together," Año said.

He added that Manila would continuously engage, build partnerships, and seek wider international support to "defend and protect what is rightfully ours".

"As a peaceful nation, our doors are always open to open and frank discussions based on mutual respect and sincerity. If you call, we will answer," Año said.

He added that the Philippines would continue to rally its partners and allies, and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, to make a united stance against those that seek to undermine the arbitral ruling and to express the important role international law plays in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime commons.

He also emphasized that the Arbitral Award was a test case for all countries as the extent to which the international community supports it and seeks to enforce the ruling would have serious consequences for the utility of international law.

DND: Arbitral Award beefs up PH rights to EEZ, resources

In a separate statement, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Arbitral Award further beefed up the Philippines' rights to its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and resources found there.

The defense sector is "taking this award to heart" in defending the country's interest, especially troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre which serves Manila's outpost at the Ayungin Shoal, Teodoro said.

"Kaya po, ito po ay hindi biro-biro, hindi po ito salita lamang. Ginagawa po namin araw-araw - pinagsisikapan po namin na mapangalagaan ang teritoryo at sovereign rights ng ating bansa upang makinabang ang Republika ng Pilipinas, at hindi ano mang bansa, sa likas na yaman na (itinakda) ng International Law sa ilalim ng recognized na batas na kinikilala ng maraming bansa, hindi po tulad ng naratibo ng ibang mga bansa na sila lang po ang naniniwala. (That is why this is not a joke, these are not words only. We do it everyday - doing our best to protect the territory and sovereign rights so that the Republic of the Philippines and no other country would benefit from the natural resources as stipulated by international law, a law which is recognized by many countries, unlike the narrative of other nations which is only believed by them)," the DND chief said.

He also called on Filipinos to stand united in defending the country's rights and sovereignty supported by the Arbitral Award.

On July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention dismissed China’s expansive claims under its so-called nine-dash-line as illegal.

Beijing, however, continues to reject the ruling.

DOTr: 'Law always prevails'

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) also joined the commemoration of the landmark award, saying this "reinforces our rights as owners of these waters."

“The PCA’s (Permanent Court of Arbitration) ruling manifests that the rule of law must always prevail,” it said.

Eight years after the decision, the agency said the country’s role has evolved into preserving peace in the region.

“Let us build on this role as the best foundation to maintain regional stability,” it said.

It also called on the public to remain committed to protecting the country’s territory.

“It is critical for the next generation of Filipinos to recognize our maritime rights and come to its defense whenever challenged,” it said. (with report from Raymond Carl dela Cruz/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228839