Press Release
July 12, 2016

Villanueva welcomes West Philippine Sea ruling

Neophyte Senator Joel "TESDAMAN" Villanueva welcomes the landmark ruling of the world's oldest international arbitration tribunal on Tuesday on the case filed by the Philippines against China's claims of sovereignty over the large swathes of the West Philippine Sea.

"I am elated at the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Beijing's claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea. I applaud the Philippine government's commitment to the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes with our neighbours by invoking the Tribunal's jurisdiction. This is a victory not only for the Philippines but more importantly for the Rule of Law," Villanueva said.

China, meanwhile, insists that the arbitration case filed by the Philippine government is illegal and it would not accept the ruling of the arbitral tribunal.

Nevertheless, Villanueva expressed optimism that China will soon recognize the ruling as it will have a lasting implication on the global trade given that the West Philippine Sea is one of the busiest trade routes in the world.

"I call on China to respect the Tribunal's decision and for both parties to work together for our mutual benefit as all neighbours must," Villanueva added.

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