Manila: Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday reaffirmed the Philippines’ firm position on its maritime rights, emphasizing that adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award is ‘non-negotiable.’
According to Philippines News Agency, in her keynote address during the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Ocean Talk, Legarda stated that the rule of law must be the foundation of ocean governance, especially amid threats to the country’s territorial integrity and marine resources. Legarda emphasized that upholding maritime rights is essential for stability in Philippine waters, stressing the importance of adhering to UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.
The senator represented the country at the recently concluded Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), where the Philippines served as one of the 13 vice presidents. She highlighted the necessity of implementing real change at the local level despite the country’s involvement in shaping international ocean policy.
Legarda reiterated that the 2016 ruling, which invalidated China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, must remain central in defending Philippine sovereignty and marine biodiversity. She stated that the Philippines has been and will continue to be a leader in ocean protection and climate action.
As vice chair of the Senate foreign relations panel, Legarda pledged to prioritize the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement, along with championing legislation such as the proposed Blue Economy Act. She stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s maritime stance through local actions, including empowering coastal communities, expanding marine protected areas, and enforcing laws against illegal fishing and plastic pollution.
The Philippines secured a landmark ruling in 2016 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which declared China’s claims over the South China Sea, based on its nine-dash line, to have no legal basis under UNCLOS. Despite this ruling, China continues to assert its presence in Philippine waters, leading to repeated calls from the international community and Filipino officials for full compliance with international maritime law.
