Philippines and six others call for respect of international laws

Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and Singapore joined the Philippines in calling for a peaceful resolution over claims of sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

During the 21st Meeting of States Parties to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in New York, the Philippines has pressed for the adherence to the rule of law.

DFA Center for Maritime and Ocean Affairs secretary general Henry Bensurto said that the rule of law is the bedrock of peace, order, and fairness in modern societies and that the rules-based international system has been the great equalizer in global affairs.

However, the Philippines is still bent in protecting what it believes it has sovereignty over, especially the Scarborough Shoal by deploying the BRP Rajah Humabon, the one and only warship of the country after China has sent in their bigger and more modern warship.

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said that the Philippines will not just be pushed around because it is a smaller state compared to China. He also reiterated its rights to explore its areas in spite of China's claims over the same areas.

China has earlier demanded that other countries seek Beijing's permission in order to explore the West Philippine Sea.

Bensurto also added that the Philippines will follow international laws, specifically the UNCLOS, considered to be the world's constitution on oceans. He also said that he expected the same from other countries.

Australia also shared the Philippines' position as regards UNCLOS and the adherence of countries to international laws. — DBL