February 19 ------ THE Philippine government, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), is exploring a range of legal strategies to reinforce its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as tensions with China continue to escalate. With growing incursions by Chinese vessels into Philippine waters, the country is seeking to leverage both legal and diplomatic avenues to assert its territorial rights and uphold international law.
While specifics of the government's legal approach remain confidential, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed on Tuesday that the OSG is in close coordination with key agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to formulate a robust legal response. "There are several legal options under discussion," Guevarra said in an interview. "However, we cannot disclose specifics at this time to maintain our strategic advantage."
Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China's expansive claims over the South China Sea and reaffirmed the Philippines' maritime rights, Beijing has continued its aggressive activities in the region. These include unauthorized patrols, the construction of artificial islands, and the deployment of its maritime militia — actions widely condemned by the international community.
Legal experts and maritime scholars suggest that the Philippines has several legal avenues it could pursue. These include initiating new cases before international tribunals, calling for an enforcement mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), or even seeking advisory opinions from international courts to further strengthen its position. Beyond legal maneuvers, the Philippine government is also ramping up diplomatic efforts to rally support from allies and regional partners.
The DFA has reiterated its call for strict adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Recent high-level discussions with the United States, Japan, Australia, and other like-minded nations have underscored the importance of a unified stance against coercive maritime behavior.
Source: manilatimes.net
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