Philippine Embassy in Ankara Opens “Faces of Arbitration” Photo Exhibition, Marks 9th Anniversary of South China Sea Arbitral Award

Guests looking at the various photographs featured in “Faces of Arbitration,” a photo exhibition commemorating the 9th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award held on 12 July 2025 at the Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, Philippine Embassy in Ankara. (Embassy photo)

ANKARA 17 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Ankara commemorated the 9th anniversary of the historic Arbitral Award on the South China Sea with the opening of a photo exhibition at the Embassy’s Albert F. del Rosario Hall on 12 July 2025. 

Representatives of diplomatic missions in Ankara, members of the academe, and the media attended the opening. The event was also broadcasted live on Facebook. 

During the opening ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. delivered remarks providing an overview of the arbitration process as a critical member of the Philippine Legal Team. He emphasized the motivations behind initiating the case, the legal arguments presented, and the significance of the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling issued on 12 July 2016 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

The exhibition featured photographs highlighting the key figures and pivotal moments of the South China Sea Arbitration Case. Among those honored were the late President Benigno S. Aquino III and the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, both instrumental in the Philippines’ pursuit of justice and maritime rights under international law.

The photo exhibition chronicled the journey leading up to the ruling, including behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, preparatory meetings, and the moments of joy minutes after the Tribunal’s decision was issued. The Award affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Embassy continues to commemorate this landmark ruling, reaffirming its importance not only for the Philippines but for all nations that uphold international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and the rule of law in global affairs. END

Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye Henry S. Bensurto Jr. provided a brief overview of the South China Sea arbitration during the opening ceremony of the Photo Exhibition, “Faces of Arbitration,” on 12 July 2025. (Embassy photo)

Guests looking at the various photographs featured in “Faces of Arbitration,” a photo exhibition commemorating the 9th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award held on 12 July 2025 at the Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, Philippine Embassy in Ankara. (Embassy photo)

Guests looking at the various photographs featured in “Faces of Arbitration,” a photo exhibition commemorating the 9th anniversary of the South China Sea arbitral award held on 12 July 2025 at the Albert F. Del Rosario Hall, Philippine Embassy in Ankara. (Embassy photo)

For more information, visit https://www.ankarape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinTurkey/, https://twitter.com/PHinTurkey or https://www.instagram.com/phinturkey/.