By Fernan Angeles
IF there is one perfect time to assert claim over the West Philippine Sea, that is today, said former Ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja.
In a radio interview, Baja cited the need for the Philippine government to speak up and take action over its claims in the West Philippines Sea after some European states at the United Nations expressed their support for the 2016 arbitral victory against China.
Baja said the support from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom provides a good opportunity. “’Yung pronouncement ng UK, France and Germany on the West Philippine Sea is a positive development for the Philippines.”
“On that basis, dapat tayong umaksyon, dapat tayong umimik,” he said.
In a note verbale filed by the permanent mission of the UK before the UN in New York, the European states referred to the arbitral ruling in 2016 which upheld the Philippines’ claims based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“France, Germany and the United Kingdom also highlight that claims in regard to the exercise of ‘historic rights’ over the South China Sea waters do not comply with international law and UNCLOS provisions and recall that the arbitral award in the Philippines vs. China case dating to 12 July 2016 clearly confirms this point,” the note verbale said.
The impact of their support, Baja added, will depend on “how far these countries are willing to go to help us,” especially if the Philippines will bring up the issue before the United Nations.
On Friday, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said the Philippines should raise before the United Nations its arbitral tribunal victory in 2016 over China.
However, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. doesn’t see it that way. “We won it already. Why litigate something you already won?”