From Rappler (Mar 30): PH strikes back, files pleading vs China
![DAVID VS GOLIATH. A Chinese coast guard ship (top) and a Philippine supply boat engage in a standoff as the Philippine boat attempts to reach Ayungin Shoal, a reef claimed by both countries, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP]( "DAVID VS GOLIATH. A Chinese coast guard ship (top) and a Philippine supply boat engage in a standoff as the Philippine boat attempts to reach Ayungin Shoal, a reef claimed by both countries, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP")
ThePhilippines struck back at its Goliath on Sunday, March 30, as it filed a historic pleading against China 's claims over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ).
Dwarfed by China in terms of military strength, thePhilippines China
"With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It is about defending what is legitimately ours. It is about securing our children's future. It is about guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all nations. It is about helping to preserve regional peace, security, and stability," Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a media briefing Sunday.
"And finally," Del Rosario said, "it is about seeking not just any kind of resolution but a just and durable solution grounded on international law."
ThePhilippines
It filed the memorial in the face of incentives from China, as well as possible sanctions from one of thePhilippines
![CHALLENGING CHINA. A much smaller Philippine ship arrives at the disputed Ayungin Shoal. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP]( "CHALLENGING CHINA. A much smaller Philippine ship arrives at the disputed Ayungin Shoal. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP")
CHALLENGING CHINA
10 volumes long
Del Rosario said the memorial is composed of 10 volumes.
He said Volume I, which is 270 pages long, analyzes laws and evidence in relation to the case.
It also shows that the arbitral tribunal “has jurisdiction” over the case – a major question that thePhilippines Philippines
Volumes II to X, on the other hand, contain “the documentary evidence and maps that support thePhilippines
The memorial comes with “all documentary, witness, expert, and other evidence” that the Philippines intends to rely on, according to the Rules of Procedure set by the designated arbitral tribunal supported by the United Nations.
It also has as attachments the “legal authorities (such as treaties, laws, decrees, or judicial decisions) cited in their submissions.”
![PHILIPPINES' GUARDIAN. An aerial view shows a Philippine Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert their nation's sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef also claimed by China, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP]( "PHILIPPINES' GUARDIAN. An aerial view shows a Philippine Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert their nation's sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef also claimed by China, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP")
PHILIPPINES China
WhileBeijing has rejected the arbitral proceedings, it has no escape from Manila China
Like the arbitral tribunal,China
Protested in thePhilippines ' memorial, China 's claims encroach on the Philippines
Included in the document is thePhilippines
This is a disputed area that has seenChina
On that day,China tried to drive away a Philippine contingent that aimed to resupply provisions and personnel onboard the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines
In the face of bigger Chinese ships, the Filipinos succeeded.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/54259-philippines-files-memorial-china-case
DAVID VS GOLIATH. A Chinese coast guard ship (top) and a Philippine supply boat engage in a standoff as the Philippine boat attempts to reach Ayungin Shoal, a reef claimed by both countries, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP
The
Dwarfed by China in terms of military strength, the
"With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It is about defending what is legitimately ours. It is about securing our children's future. It is about guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all nations. It is about helping to preserve regional peace, security, and stability," Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a media briefing Sunday.
"And finally," Del Rosario said, "it is about seeking not just any kind of resolution but a just and durable solution grounded on international law."
The
It filed the memorial in the face of incentives from China, as well as possible sanctions from one of the
10 volumes long
Del Rosario said the memorial is composed of 10 volumes.
He said Volume I, which is 270 pages long, analyzes laws and evidence in relation to the case.
It also shows that the arbitral tribunal “has jurisdiction” over the case – a major question that the
Volumes II to X, on the other hand, contain “the documentary evidence and maps that support the
The memorial comes with “all documentary, witness, expert, and other evidence” that the Philippines intends to rely on, according to the Rules of Procedure set by the designated arbitral tribunal supported by the United Nations.
It also has as attachments the “legal authorities (such as treaties, laws, decrees, or judicial decisions) cited in their submissions.”
While
Like the arbitral tribunal,
Protested in the
Included in the document is the
This is a disputed area that has seen
On that day,
In the face of bigger Chinese ships, the Filipinos succeeded.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/54259-philippines-files-memorial-china-case