Noy renews call for peaceful resolution of sea row

BALI – President Aquino yesterday renewed his call for a peaceful resolution of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, saying the rule of law must prevail.

Aquino cited the process used by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in settling differences, including border disputes.

He also cited the example set by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in remaining steadfast to the rule of law that has been crucial as “we advance the peaceful and just resolution of disputes in the South China.”

“With (Yudhoyono’s) assuring leadership, our two nations were able to resolve in an amicable manner the issue concerning our maritime boundaries in the Mindanao Sea and the Celebes Sea, thus moving our nations forward with an even deeper trust in each other,” Aquino said at the 7th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF).

“All of our reforms in the domestic sphere complement our approach in building meaningful consensus with our ASEAN brothers and partners in the region. Like all of you, we share the belief that stability and cooperation are fundamental in maximizing the prospects of success brought about by democratic participation,” he said.

“Whether in addressing concerns on the international front, or engaging our fellow nations in a positive manner towards mutual gain, we have always advocated a democratic approach, one that upholds our conviction of advancing the rule of law and respecting one another.”

After 20 years of talks, the Philippines and Indonesia signed a historic agreement last May 23 drawing the boundary between the two countries’ overlapping exclusive economic zones.

There was no immediate reaction from members of the delegation from China, one of 54 countries participating in the BDF.

Aquino made the call as the Armed Forces of the Philippines suspended work on improving a military airstrip at Pagasa Island located in the Philippine-claimed portion of the Spratlys archipelago in the South China Sea to boost its case against China filed before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.