DFA reiterates PH resolve to end sea row peacefully

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DFA to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” the President stressed.

DFA Undersecretary Charles Jose reiterated the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law, advocating the rules-based international order.

Jose also said the country is committed to resorting to proper diplomatic channels in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the President's directive.

Jose made the remark on Wednesday during the post-SONA discussions organized by the Presidential Communications Office.

He affirmed that the Philippines would defend and uphold its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea “as firm anchors of national policy.”

Jose noted the “positive momentum” that emerged from the 9th Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism that led to a provisional arrangement on the resupply missions to the beached BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

He also stressed that the agreement was concluded with the clear understanding that it will not prejudice the two countries' respective positions, the DFA said.

Jose also highlighted the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of the Philippine-led resolution titled “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers.”

The resolution is the first-ever on the subject to be introduced and adopted in the UNHRC.

“This is a victory in the Philippines' quest to protect the welfare of almost two million seafarers, over a quarter of whom are Filipinos,” Jose said.

He also mentioned that the development of the e-Visa system, the DFA's contribution to the country's digital transformation agenda, aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for visa-required international travelers, and to help boost the country's tourism and investments.