MANILA — Notwithstanding the recent actions of China, the Philippines proceeded to file its 4,000-page Memorial before a United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea-backed (UNCLOS) arbitral tribunal insisting its claim over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It’s about defining what is legitimately ours. It’s about securing our children’s future. It’s about guaranteeing the freedom of navigation. It’s about preserving our regional peace, security, and stability,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a press conference Sunday.

Once resolved, the decision is one that would provide a “just, durable solution grounded on international law,” he said.

The memorial, or the country’s written argument, is composed of 10 volumes and more than 4,000 pages, containing relevant evidence that ensures that “every claim is meritorious.”

“Volumes II through X contain the documentary evidence and maps that support the Philippines’ claims, all of which are cited in Volume I. Volumes II through X consist of more than 3,700 pages, including more than 40 maps, for a total submission of nearly 4,000 pages,” del Rosario said.

Read more: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/30/14/unfazed-ph-moves-stake-claim-over-disputed-seas