Poe wants Phl to pursue sovereignty claims

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – The Philippine government should pursue its sovereignty claims over the West Philippine Sea and strengthen its arbitration case filed before the United Nations, presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday.

She also backs the current administration’s call for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to affirm its support for the Code of Conduct.

“We should take an active role in leadership on the West Philippine Sea to encourage other claimant countries to sign the Code,” Poe said.

The Code of Conduct allows parties to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations, including the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Signatories also reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally recognized principles of international law.

Poe said there is a need for the government to strengthen its arbitration case and enhance its ties with allies as a means of strengthening the defense of territories.

She also vowed to address poverty and criminality.

In a separate meeting with business leaders in Palawan, Poe promised to address the problem on power and water shortage by tapping cleaner energy sources and building water catchment facilities.

She also said the province, where some of the most beautiful islands in the world are located, should have greater national government support to boost eco-tourism.

Poe also urged President Aquino to immediately transmit to the Senate the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which was signed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, for ratification.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, umbrella organization of local government units, also asked for the immediate ratification of the agreement.

“This means we will have to make a rapid transition to renewable energy and effectively protect our forests and ecosystems. We will also accelerate adaptation efforts so that our people and communities become more resilient,” Poe said.  – With Marvin Sy, Non Alquitran, Mayen Jaymalin, Danny Dangcalan, Rhodina Villanueva