GOVPH

DOHA 12 July 2023 — The Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar organized a public lecture on the South China Sea Arbitration Award exactly seven years after its issuance in 2016.

Held at the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal on 12 July 2023, the lecture entitled, “Seven years hence: The South China Sea Arbitration Award of 2016 and the primacy of the rules-based international order,” was delivered by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jeffrey Batac.

The lecture provided an overview of the salient points of the Award, its legal implications, and the rationalization of the Arbitral Tribunal vis-á-vis the various issues raised by the parties. It also assessed the impact of the Award in the overall situation in the South China Sea, identified post-Award maritime initiatives meant to implement the Award, and provided policy recommendations.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador H.E. Lillibeth V. Pono said the public should familiarize themselves with the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“I enjoin everyone to read the 2016 Arbitral Award, if only to see the depth and extent of issues and challenges that confront the Philippines in the protection and preservation of its rights within its legitimate maritime zones,” she said.

“The 2016 Arbitral Award is the story of Filipino fisherfolk trying to earn a living off the country’s natural resources and being unlawfully intimidated by foreign entities. It is the story of our Coast Guard personnel risking their lives to protect our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over our waters. It is the story of Filipinos like you and me standing up for what is right. And it is the story of a nation articulating its positions based on international law and not on unfounded claims,” she added.

First Secretary and Consul General Cassandra B. Sawadjaan read the statement of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.


On 12 July 2016, the Award in the case of Philippines v. China (Case No. 2013-19) was issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration before the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This landmark ruling constitutes a definitive legal articulation of the limits of the maritime entitlements of states, and declared as without legal effect claims that exceed geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements under the UNCLOS. It also conclusively settled the status of historic rights in the South China Sea.

The 2016 Award is a binding interpretation of relevant UNCLOS provisions bearing the force and effect of a binding law – one that should be recognized and adhered to by all states.

Seven years since its issuance, the Arbitral Award – a clear triumph of law – remains as relevant as ever. In the midst of the various challenges confronting it within its legitimate maritime zones, the Philippines remains resolute in essaying the role of a responsible archipelagic nation that gives primacy to a rules-based international regime in the world’s seas and oceans.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.