Speaking at the Diplomatic Reception on 10 July, Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro underscored the enduring significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a cornerstone of international law and regional stability. She called for continued commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to safeguard peace and prosperity in the South China Sea.
Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to international law during her opening remarks at the Diplomatic Reception held on 10 July, describing the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as the defining affirmation of the country’s adherence to a rules-based international order.
Secretary Lazaro stressed that, ten years after the landmark ruling was issued, the Award remains the bedrock of a stable, rules-based maritime order. She noted that its significance extends beyond the Philippines, reinforcing the principles that govern peaceful relations among nations and uphold the rule of law at sea.
Emphasising the Award’s enduring relevance, Secretary Lazaro said its message remains as powerful today as it was a decade ago: that law matters, that the rights of all states—regardless of size—must be respected, and that lasting peace can only be achieved when founded on justice and equity. She highlighted these principles as essential to preserving regional stability and strengthening confidence in international legal frameworks.
Looking ahead, Secretary Lazaro called on the international community to continue advancing the moral and legal legacy of the Award. She urged sustained efforts to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in its entirety, protect the marine environment, and ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and shared prosperity for present and future generations.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
