AUTHENTICATION19 December 2016— The Philippines is State Party to the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippine constitution mandates that the generally accepted principles enshrined in these treaties are part of national law. As such, the Philippines will respect its rights and responsibilities under these treaties, including those rights recently reaffirmed by the July 12th ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal on maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.
Since President Duterte assumed office, one of his primary foreign policy priorities has been revitalizing bilateral ties with China. Following his historic State Visit to China in October, Philippine government agencies - especially those in the political and security sectors - have been hard at work building confidence and trust with their Chinese counterparts. This we will continue to do for the foreseeable future, until such time that we achieve a trust level that will allow us to discuss the more sensitive issues in our bilateral relations.
This notwithstanding, the Philippine government reaffirms its respect for and firm adherence to this milestone ruling and will be guided by its parameters when tackling the issue of maritime claims in the South China Sea. I also wish to reiterate what the President has stated in the past that he will not deviate from the four corners of the ruling. END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
