(The author is former Philippine Ambassador to Chile, Consul General to New York, Law Member of the Philippine Delegation to the final crafting of the Unclos in the United Nations)In the hope of further clarifying certain essential features in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) problem and on the Arbitral Tribunal’s Award of July 12, 2016, this piece is written. Stripped to the barest minimum, the Arbitral Tribunal’s Award (The Hague) on the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea):1. “Notes at the outset that both the Philippines and China claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and that the two countries consider Scarborough Shoal to be traditional fishing ground for their citizens.”3. Obliges China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos to preserve and protect the marine resources and environment in the disputed sea. It is the International Court of Justice that has jurisdiction over dispute regarding “territorial sovereignty” or “sovereign rights” in concept of owner.

Source: Manila Times September 16, 2016 17:26 UTC