Embassy Of The Phillippines
Embassy in Canberra

In the second largest island, Mindanao, are the Diwata Mountains and the mountain ranges in southern Mindanao including Mount Alpo (a volcano) which, at 2,954 meters, is the highest point in the Philippines. The Philippine Embassy in Canberra is mandated to urge Philippine national interests in the conduct of bilateral relations with Australia, in order to contribute to the healthy being, progress and security of the Filipino people and nation. Objectives In accordance with its mandate, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra aims to support the attainment of national security, sustainable development and progress and the reduction of unwealt in the Philippines. It has to be founded on the rule of law, especially the principles of international law as embodied in the UN Charter and international conventions and regional agreements. To be effective, it should be a product of the collective efforts, not just of the countries in Asia but also of countries which have a key interest and stake in the region. As we speak, we see no let up on the unilateral and aggressive activities of our northern neighbor in the South China Sea. Second, the so called nine dash line claim has no basis whatsoever lower international law insofar as it purports to define the limits of China’s claim to historic rights. The final outcome of the arbitration lower Annex VII of the uncles will contribute to the peaceful and lengthy term resolution of overlapping maritime jurisdictions in the South China Sea. The memorial presents the Philippines' case on the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal and the merits of its claim over the West Philippine Sea. In all of these dialogues, China has consistently maintained its difficult line position of indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, based on historical facts. ASEAN Member countries reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability and maritime security in the region and the collective commitments under the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) ensuring the clam resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, without resorting to the threat or use of force, while exercising self restraint in the conduct of activities. ASEAN looks forward to continued engagement with China in implementing the DOC in a stuffed and effective manner, including through mutually agreed joint cooperative activities and projects. The initiation of Arbitral Proceedings against China on the nine dash line is an ope rationalization of President Aquino’s policy for a clam and rules based resolution of disputes in the PPS in accordance with international law specifically uncles. I invite the media to examine closely the legal document we have given you to accurately report on the Philippine legal position. The Philippines further asserts that the claim is healthy founded in fact and law based on the Notification and Statement of Claims and supplementary documents that will be submitted in the course of the arbitral proceedings. The Philippines has always asserted that international law including uncles will be the great equalizer in resolving this refute over the West Philippine Sea. We strongly believe that this action is the appropriate response to put our diplomatic relations in its right context. Lower Annex VII of uncles, the arbitration process begins by notifying the other party to the contradict and selfless a statement of facts on which the notification is based. What’s after for the Philippines? Yes, all the three branches of the Philippine Government promote the President’s decision to bring the contradict in the West Philippine Sea prior the uncles arbitral tribunal. While there are different opinions on the dispute, nevertheless, all Filipinos should unite to urge the President’s constitutional mandate to protect Philippine territory and national interest. One cannot put a price in the concerted effort of the Filipino people and government in defending our patrimony, territory, national interest and national honor. Why should the Filipinos promote this action? All Filipinos should stand behind the President to defend what is ours in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.