Unfortunately, the controversy over who owns what part of the sea and the resolution of this long-running conflict are not simply matters of law. Foreign policy, after all, is the exclusive province of the Executive. Romana, was to focus on diplomacy in order to mend fences with China for mutually beneficial relations instead of harping on the decision. This is where diplomacy is different from the law. And I am glad that the Philippines’ foreign policy is no longer in the hands of those who think the law is more important than peace and prosperity, especially if the law cannot be enforced without us—and probably us alone—waging a war that we will never win.

Source: The Standard July 13, 2017 16:07 UTC