MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations arbitral tribunal cannot enforce its ruling on the case filed by the Philippines against China’s excessive territorial claims, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.
Speaking to ANC’s Headstart, DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said whatever decision the tribunal may reach, it will be both legally binding to the Philippines and China since both nations are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
“Although, as many people [have] observed, the tribunal has no power to enforce its ruling,” Jose admitted.
Jose said what the DFA and the Philippine government are hoping is that the UN tribunal–with the help of the international community–will make China realize that it is also best for its interest to respect and comply with the decision on the arbitration case.