NEW YORK — In a firm stance at the United Nations, the Philippines has voiced its commitment to multilateralism as a framework for resolving disputes, specifically addressing the South China Sea (SCS) not as a battleground of major powers, but as a zone governed by international law and peaceful negotiation.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized the necessity of a rules-based order that supports the rights of all nations, grounded in equity and justice. Manalo articulated that thriving multilateralism depends on unwavering adherence to the rule of law. He pointed to the growing trust in international judicial bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, highlighted by the increasing cases they handle, which reinforces their role in peaceful dispute resolution.
Manalo outlined the Philippines’ policies in the SCS dispute, rooted in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the consequential 2016 Arbitral Award, which clarifies legal boundaries and entitlements. He expressed the country’s rejection of the portrayal of the SCS as a theater of major power rivalry, stating that such a narrative overlooks the sovereign rights of regional states to secure their own future and destiny. Further, he underscored the centrality of ASEAN in regional architecture, demonstrating the collective power of states to navigate their future through multilateral efforts.
Adding to his discourse on multilateralism, Manalo called for significant reforms in international cooperation mechanisms to better address global crises and meet international development goals. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ active role and commitment as a founding UN member to uphold and work within the international rules-based system, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The high-level discussion was part of the broader agenda of the UN General Assembly’s 79th session, which saw participation from nearly 200 leaders and representatives from around the globe.