DFA hopes for tribunal’s favorable decision on South China Sea dispute

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed hopes that the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding territorial claims over the contested waters of the South China Sea (parts of which the Philippines calls West Philippine Sea) would be favorable to the country, a report on News To Go said on Tuesday.

“Umaasa tayo na magiging paborable sa Pilipinas ang magiging desisyon ng arbitral tribunal,” DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said.

According to Jose, the tribunal’s decision would appease the tension between the Philippines and China over the disputed waters.

“Itong arbitration natin, tungkol ito sa paghihingi ng paglilinaw or clarification sa maritime entitlements. Kung magkakaroon ng desisyon, mabibigyang linaw kung ano talaga ang maritime entitlements. Makakatulong ito sa pagbaba ng tensyon sa South China Sea,” he said.

However, he stressed the Philippines would comply with whatever the decision of the court will be.

The DFA also hoped for China’s cooperation when the decision is released.

The decision will be released at 5 p.m. (PHL time) on Tuesday.

The Philippines in 2013 filed an arbitration case against China contesting Beijing's massive claim over the resource-rich South China Sea.

China has refused to participate in the legal proceedings, insisting on bilateral talks instead. —Kiersnerr Gerwin Tacadena/KG, GMA News