DFA, UP Launch Monograph on Rules-Based International Order from Perspectives in an International Law

MANILA 25 June 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), in partnership with the Institute of International Legal Studies (IILS) of the University of the Philippines Law Center, formally launched the Monograph on the Proceedings of the Roundtable Discussion on “Examining the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) from Perspectives in International Law.”

Held virtually and livestreamed on official channels, the launch featured a recorded address by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and was attended by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, UP Law Acting Dean Professor Jay Batongbacal, UP IILS Head Associate Professor Rommel Casis, and other members of the academic and diplomatic communities.

The monograph captures the proceedings of a high-level, closed-door roundtable, which was held on 27 August 2024, bringing together leading international legal minds, including Permanent Court of Arbitration Secretary General Dr. Marcin Czepelak, International Law Commission Member Dr. Nilüfer Oral, former ICC Judge Raul Pangalangan, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Dean Antonio La Viña, and Commissioner Johannes Bernabe, to examine the RBIO amid the shifting landscape of global governance.

In his remarks, Secretary Manalo underscored the enduring relevance of international law amid the growing fragility of multilateralism. “The rules-based international order is not sustained by power or political expediency,” he said, “but by shared norms, legal institutions, and mutual respect.” He highlighted the Philippines’ longstanding advocacy for peaceful dispute settlement, sovereign equality, and access to global commons – principles that underpin Philippine foreign policy and international legal engagement.

The monograph offers substantive reflections on key challenges to the RBIO, including the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions, the selective adherence to international norms, and emerging governance gaps in areas such as climate change, cyber governance, and artificial intelligence. It also affirms the critical role of smaller states in defending and shaping an inclusive and accountable international order grounded in law.

Secretary Manalo emphasized the responsibility of diplomats and legal scholars alike in defending the legitimacy of the multilateral process. “The future of the rules-based international order,” he said, “will not be written in the halls of power alone, but in the clarity of our arguments, the precision of our reasoning, and the integrity of the positions we take.”

The event also took place in the lead-up to a significant milestone in Philippine diplomacy: the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter on 26 June 1945. Secretary Manalo recalled the legacy of Carlos P. Romulo – Charter signatory, framer of the UN, and former President of the University of the Philippines – who famously declared that “the [Filipino] stake in the United Nations is the stake of identical destiny, of shared anxiety, hope and endeavor.” 

In this spirit, the Secretary expressed the Department’s intention to collaborate with the University in marking the Philippines’ contributions to the United Nations across eight decades of multilateral engagement, particularly Philippine thought leadership in international law and global governance and expressed hope that the monograph will serve as a springboard for continued academic and diplomatic dialogue on the RBIO.

By deepening the discourse on the RBIO, the DFA and UP IILS reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting an international legal order that is just, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all States, especially developing countries.

The monograph is now available on the official website of the UP Institute of International Legal Studies: https://law.upd.edu.ph/IILS/pages/home/. END