Phl submits supplemental evidence to UN tribunal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has submitted to the arbitral tribunal in The Hague additional information and detailed responses to questions and possible objections regarding its arbitration case against China’s expansive and excessive claims in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday the government’s supplemental submission to the Permanent Court of Arbitration consists of 12 volumes totaling over 3,000 pages. It was submitted on Monday.

“Volume I consists of 200 pages of written argument. Volume II consists of a 200-page Atlas containing detailed information about 49 islands, reefs and other features in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told reporters.

The arbitration case seeks to clarify maritime entitlements of coastal states based on the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and what are the maritime features of islands, reefs and low tide elevation. – Pia Lee- Brago, Jess Diaz