Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague Concludes Hearing on Philippines’ Jurisdiction Case

(PNA) — The Arbitral Tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has concluded its hearing on the jurisdiction and admissibility of the Philippines’ case against China, a Malacañang official said.

“Today, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands concluded the hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility of the Philippines’ claims against China,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a news bulletin issued on Tuesday.

“The Arbitral Tribunal scheduled two rounds of hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility on the case filed by the Philippines. The first round of oral arguments was held on 7-8 July 2015. The Tribunal deliberated on scheduling a second round of arguments, conscious of its duty to assure parties of the full opportunity to present its case,” Valte stated.

“The hearing concluded with the second round of arguments conducted today for the Philippines to address additional and clarificatory questions from the Tribunal. Solicitor General Florin Hilbay delivered the closing statement,” she added.

Valte said the Philippines has until July 23 to give its written submission to the Tribunal to amplify its answers to questions posed by individual members of the tribunal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has stressed the importance of the case, not just to the ASEAN region but also to the world, in his statement at the start of the hearing last week.

“This is a matter that is most important not only to the Philippines, but also to all coastal States that border to the South China Sea, and even to all States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said Del Rosario, a member of the Philippine delegation, which was represented by all three branches of the government. (PNA) LGI/PND/SSC