EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

statement

DFA Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea

DFA Statement, 12 July_2.jpg 1.26 MB
MANILA 12 July 2025 – Today, the Philippines commemorates the ninth anniversary of the landmark ruling on the South China Sea Arbitration. Since its promulgation by the Arbitral Tribunal, this Arbitral Award continues to serve as a guide for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and its dispute settlement mechanisms, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is considered the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.

Now entrenched in international jurisprudence, this historic ruling has been cited by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in rendering their decisions, further reinforcing the legitimacy and finality of the 2016 Arbitral Award.  It is an illuminating precedent for States facing similarly challenging circumstances in the seas, and the clearest of reminders to the international community that the rule of law can be the great equalizer between and among nations, and serve as the bedrock of peace and stability for the international community.

Beyond marking this milestone, the Philippines continues to honor this Arbitral Award by its commitment to both enhancing public awareness of maritime entitlements and other rights and obligations under the UNCLOS, and leveraging more partnerships with like-minded countries in upholding the rule of law.

Along with the UNCLOS, the Arbitral Award will continue to be a cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy and the country’s unflinching advocacy for a rules-based order governed by international law. The Filipino nation will always look to the enduring guidance of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in asserting its rights and entitlements in its maritime domain and in protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. END

Tags
2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea

Other Statement

July 02, 2025
Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul congratulates Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (외교부 장관 마리아 테레사 P. 라자로) on her assumption as the new Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs effective 1 July 2025. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. likewise conferred on Secretary Lazaro the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction, for her extraordinary service to Philippine diplomacy and international relations during her oath-taking as Foreign Secretary.An esteemed career diplomat and expert negotiator, Secretary Lazaro has led the Philippine delegation during several high-level meetings held in the Republic of Korea, most notably the 2023 Philippines - Republic of Korea Policy Consultations and the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue (2024 and 2022). In Manila, she has worked to further elevate the PH-ROK strategic partnership across all flanks, including in maritime security, regional cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based international order.축하합니다, Secretary Lazaro!

Read More
May 14, 2025
DFA STATEMENT ON DPRK'S BALLISTIC MISSILE LAUNCHES ON 08 MAY 2025

                 DFA Statement on DPRK’s Ballistic Missile Launches on 08 May 2025MANILA 14 May 2025 – The Philippines expresses serious concern and strongly denounces the recent ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Such provocative actions undermine economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.We renew our call on the DPRK to promptly cease these activities and abide by all international obligations, including relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and to commit to peaceful and constructive dialogue. END

Read More
April 01, 2025
Sympathy Message on wildfire outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Read More
VIEW ALL

© 2024 Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Seoul Republic of Korea. All rights reserved.

Powered by: