Aquino, Del Rosario Lauded for Tough Stand Over West Philippine Sea Dispute


Former Philippine ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. has commended former President Benigno Aquino III and his then Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario for showing 'iron will' in handling the country’s arbitration case against China over the ruling of West Philippine Sea, which the Philippines eventually won.

The former Philippine diplomat said Aquino and Del Rosario’s leadership and "principled foreign policy" paved the way for a Philippine victory in the maritime issues the government raised before the Permanent Court of Arbitration Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

Cuisia said in a statement, "I wish to thank former President Benigno Aquino III and his former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario for their iron will to do what is right amid adversity.  Without their personal leadership and their principled foreign policy, we would not have been able to come to this point."

"The former President and Foreign Affairs Secretary were assisted with complete dedication by the men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Office of the President and the Office of the Solicitor General," he added.

Cuisia said the proceedings have proven the country's commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes on the basis of international law. He also expects China to respect the ruling.

Cuisia also thanked the US government for "consistently supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea."


Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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