SEN. GRACE POE'S STATEMENT ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA RULING

I join the nation in welcoming the landmark decision of the Arbitral Tribunal affirming the rights of our country over its 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. The resolution rendered in this historic case confirms our stand that we fully adhere to the rules of international law in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The West Philippine Sea is ours and this legal and moral victory is significant as it will provide our government a binding ruling under the UNCLOS and international law in dealing with China as well as our allies, in whatever mode of negotiation that may be taken by the current administration to ensure compliance of parties involved.

The Tribunal's ruling is no paper judgment. Our government should exhaust all avenues and encourage full compliance of the decision through peaceful and diplomatic means.