Statement of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine Sea dispute case

I welcome the final and binding ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which puts clarity to the claims of both the Philippines and China in the West Philippines Sea. The Philippines has stated that it will comply with the ruling and expects China, as a party to the UNCLOS, to also comply.

I call on other nations to respect the ruling and help maintain the rule of law. We hope that the decision puts to rest any tension, mend strained relations, and restore goodwill among countries in the region. ASEAN and China can now move forward to finalize the Code of Conduct to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Philippines will study the ruling and its ramifications, and plan its next steps, bearing in mind the utmost need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the maintenance of friendly relations among nations.