Marcos: Permanent Court of Arbitration vital part of PH foreign policy

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday underscored the significance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in his administration's foreign policy.

Marcos made the remark during the courtesy call of PCA Secretary-General Marcin Czepelak this morning at the Malacañang Palace.

''I'm very happy that you visited us this year because we, of course, in the Philippines right now, the Permanent Court of Arbitration is an important part of our foreign policy, considering all the challenges that we are facing right now,'' Marcos told Czepelak.

''Our continuing adherence to international law the Permanent Court of Administration is on, we can say that that is an argument that we can make and have made in several instances. It’s very gratifying for me to welcome you to Manila,'' he added.

Czepelak shared to Marcos that his visit to the Philippines was a fantastic experience, adding that he is happy to meet the Philippine president.

“It is my first time and it is [a] fantastic experience to be able to, first, I meet a lot of people and then I'm allowed to even visit some places. And I’m very happy that you found the time,” Czepelak said.

He also expressed interest in exploring the potential for establishing a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Philippines when it comes to facilitating PCA hearings within the nation.

Czepelak's visit to the Philippines coincides with the organization’s 125th anniversary.

His trip also came amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea between Manila and Beijing.

Prior to his designation as secretary-general of the PCA, Czepelak served as Poland’s ambassador to The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Presidential Communications Office said.

For his part, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año pointed out the important role of PCA in international dispute resolution particularly in the South China Sea (SCS), which the Philippines won against China in 2016.

Año has said Czepelak's visit to the country underscored PCA's “dedication in engaging with member states to advance its objectives and foster dialogue on legal and diplomatic issues.”

On Wednesday, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) should file a petition asking a local court to recognize the 2016 Hague ruling, so that it becomes part of the country's laws.—VAL/RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News