DFA Emphasizes Primacy of Rule of Law, Confirms Readiness

to Host ASEAN 2026 During Post-SONA Discussions

Undersecretary Charles C. Jose joins a panel discussion on Good Governance, Peace and Order, Security in Pasay City on 24 July 2024.

MANILA 24 July 2024 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), represented by Undersecretary Charles C. Jose, reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, advocating the rules-based international order, and resorting to proper diplomatic channels in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, following the President’s State of the Nation Address (2024).

In a panel on Good Governance, Peace and Order, and Security during the Post-SONA Discussions organized by the Presidential Communications Office on 24 July 2024 in Pasay City, Undersecretary Jose underscored that the Philippines will not waver in pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law. He affirmed that the Philippines defends and upholds its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea as firm anchors of national policy.

Underscoring the President’s directive to de-escalate the tension and manage the differences in the West Philippine Sea, Undersecretary Jose recalled the positive momentum emerging from the 9th Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism that led to the conclusion of the understanding on principles and approaches with regard to the Philippines’ lawful and routine rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. He also stressed that the agreement was concluded with the clear understanding that it will not prejudice our respective national positions.

On the Philippines’ readiness to host ASEAN in 2026, Undersecretary Jose shared that the ASEAN National Organizing Council or ASEAN NOC is leading the preparations to ensure the orderly and seamless hosting of this landmark event.

Undersecretary Jose also highlighted the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of  the Philippine-led resolution titled “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers.” This resolution is the first-ever on this subject to be introduced and adopted in the UN HRC. “This is a victory in the Philippines’ quest to protect the welfare of almost two million seafarers, over a quarter of whom are Filipinos,” said Undersecretary Jose.

Undersecretary Jose mentioned that the development of the e-Visa system, as the DFA’s contribution to the country’s digital transformation agenda, aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for visa-required international travelers, and to help boost the country’s tourism and investments. END