Philippines urged to issue stronger statements as tribunal ruling nears

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign government representatives prefer the Philippines to send stronger statements on the South China Sea dispute as the United Nations tribunal issues its ruling on the case, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said on Thursday.

Yasay was addressing newly sworn President Rodrigo Duterte at a rare broadcast of the first Cabinet meeting at Malacañang, and advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs should study the implications of the ruling first.

The United Nations' Permanent Court of Arbitration has announced that it will issue its final award on the Philippines' arbitration case against China on July 12.

President Rodrigo Duterte presides at the first Cabinet meeting of the new administration following the inauguration on Thursday, June 30, 2016. Malacañang Photo Bureau

READ: UN tribunal to issue Philippines vs China ruling on July 12

"I am adverse to that idea and I have told them in no unmistakable terms that the first thing that we will do when we get the decision is to study its implications and its ramifications, what does it mean if we win," Yasay said.

Yasay noted that the concern of the international community is maintaining freedom of navigation in the area as 60 percent of the world trade passes through the disputed waters.

"In so far as our claim is concerned, we are just really asking the arbitral tribunal to declare what are our rights insofar as the exclusive economic zone and maritime entitlements we have under (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)," the Foreign Affairs chief said.

Yasay assured Duterte that he and the Cabinet will be informed of the DFA's action after the ruling comes out in a few weeks.

The Foreign Affairs secretary warned that China might "dig in and put us to a test" if the international tribunal rules in favor of the country.

Duterte stressed that he wants a peaceful means of addressing the dispute with China.

"We have to solve some of the problems that would involve violence. Ako, I do not want it. God knows I do not really want to declare any fighting with anybody. If we can have peace by just by talking, I would be very happy," Duterte told the Cabinet members.

In January 2013, Philippines initiated the arbitration against China pursuant to the provisions of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. China, however, refused to participate in the proceedings.

In his inaugural statement, Duterte said that the Philippines will continue to honor treaties and international obligations.

FULL TEXT: President Duterte's inaugural address