Robredo: Capitalize on arbitral win, seek other countries' support on WPS

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday said the Philippines should capitalize on its 2016 arbitral victory and seek the support of other countries in defending its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.

This as Robredo thumbed down bilateral talks on South China Sea dispute, adding that the Philippines was not on"equal footing" with China.

"We had a very significant victory with the arbitral tribunal as far as our claims on the West Philippine Sea is concerned and I feel that victory should have been capitalized on in asking for the support of other countries who have similar claims or are similarly situated or have similar issues with China," Robredo said in an online forum organized by University of Cambridge's MPhil in Public Policy Class (MPP) of 2021 and Cambridge University Filipino Society.

"The fact that we have a significant victory in as far as our arbitration case is concerned, I feel that we would solicit support from many countries like Vietnam and other neighboring countries," she added.

Asked about the Vice President's role in foreign policy, Robredo said she is a mere spectator given that her constitutional mandate is succession.

"Because of the political situation, I have been sidelined, meaning to say, I am not invited in the policy discussion of the government. Just like you, I am a mere spectator,"

Despite having no roles in the country's foreign policy, Robredo said she still "expresses views" on the territorial dispute and relations with China.

In a sixth meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, the Philippines reiterated its 2016 arbitral win and urged China to respect and adhere to it.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said China and the Philippines had a friendly and candid exchange on the dispute in the West Philippine Sea during the consultation. — DVM, GMA News