After three and a half years, a ruling will finally be out regarding Philippines' arbitration case against China over maritime rows in the West Philippine Sea, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands confirmed.
The controversial and historic case is handled by an arbitral tribunal at the PCA. In these proceedings, the Philippines seeks to nullify China's claim over practically the entire South China Sea, parts of which is the the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea.
The PCA's announcement came on Wednesday, June 29, that it would issue its "award" or ruling on July 12 at approximately 5 p.m. Philippine time (11 a.m. CEST).
"The Award will first be issued via e-mail to the Parties, along with an accompanying Press Release containing a summary of the Award. The Press Release will be in English and French, with an unofficial Mandarin Chinese translation provided," the PCA said in a statement.
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| The Peace Palace in The Hague |
After issuing the award to Manila and Beijing, a copy will then be sent to observer states and other stakeholders, including the media.
Copy of the award and the press release will also be uploaded on the PCA website.
"The Parties will receive originally signed versions of the Award. Hard copies of the Award will also be sent to the Embassies of States that were granted observer status for the hearings. There will be no in-person meeting or ceremony for the rendering of the Award," the PCA said.
Ruling on Philippines' arbitration case vs China out on July 12. @cnnphilippines pic.twitter.com/XCF1iTvGNu— Anjo Cagmat Alimario (@anjocalimario) June 29, 2016
The arbitration case started on January 22, 2013, under the term of then-president Benigno Aquino III, when the Philippines served China with a Notifcation and Statement of Claim pursuant to provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
About a month later, China rejected and returned the notification and had since stood on not participating in the arbitration an its eventual decision.
Photo: Gov.PH
Sources: CNN Philippines Rappler
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