Robredo: No joint exploration with China until it recognizes arbitral ruling

Vice President Leni Robredo said on Friday that she would be ready to cooperate with China on trade and investments.

According to Chino Gaston's report on "State of the Nation", the presidential aspirant said she would not allow any joint exploration with China until the Asian power recognized the arbitral ruling which upheld the country's claims in the South China Sea.

"When it comes to the West Philippine Sea, I will be very clear. We cannot deal with them without their recognition of the arbitral ruling," Robredo said at a public forum.

Robredo on Friday also issued a statement on occasion of the International Human Rights Day.

"As we celebrate International Human Rights Day on the 73rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded of our common humanity— that regardless of race, color, religion, gender, we are a single human family, bound by a shared commitment to build a better and fairer world for all," Robredo said.

"We can accomplish this by relentlessly standing up for our rights, and the rights of others, at every opportunity," Robredo added.

Likewise, Robredo said that defending human rights requires empathy and fellowship. -NB, GMA News