Press Release
July 12, 2016

Statement of Sen. Leila De Lima on the UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal Decision

The ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague is a welcome affirmation of our right to our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the limits of China's expansionist plans in the West Philippine Sea. With this ruling, it is hoped that the present Administration will be properly guided in its future actions, especially in its declared bias for bilateral talks which has only proven to be always one-sided in favor of the world power at the other end of the table.

This ruling gives us the international legal basis under the UNCLOS to challenge China's further expansionist moves. Together with our western allies like the United States, Japan, and the international community in general, we should utilize this ruling to the utmost in defense of our sovereignty, EEZ entitlements and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

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