VP Binay, UNA support case vs. China before United Nations tribunal

By OVP Media
January 23, 2013

MANILA  –  Vice President Jejomar C. Binay today said the decision of the Philippines to file a case against China before a United Nations arbitration body is an expression of President Aquino’s commitment to protect Philippine sovereignty.

He also urged China to recognize the jurisdiction of the UN body, saying this would help advance peace and harmony in the ASEAN region.

“The filing of the case before the UN tribunal is an expression of our desire to resolve the dispute with China within the framework of international law,” Binay said.

“President Aquino is committed to protect our sovereignty and is likewise committed to resolving the dispute with China in a peaceful manner. I am hopeful that China, in the interest of greater peace and harmony in the region, would recognize the jurisdiction of the UN arbitration tribunal in accordance with international law,” he added.

The Vice President emphasized that the dispute “should not define our relations with China, considering the historic and cultural ties that bind our two nations.”

“A peaceful resolution, under the purview of international law, would be in the best interest of both countries and the ASEAN region,” he said.

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which is chaired by the Vice President, likewise expressed its full support for the administration’s action.

“President Aquino has consistently defended our sovereignty against provocative moves by China,” UNA Secretary General Toby Tiangco said.

“The incursions by China into Philippine territory and its claims on a substantial part of the West Philippine Sea were in clear violation of international law and our sovereignty. The decision to raise the matter before the UN arbitration tribunal is our way of telling China that we are determined to protect our sovereignty in a peaceful way,” he said.