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STATEMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY ENRIQUE A. MANALO ON THE 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AWARD ON THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ARBITRATION

Statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo on the 6th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration

12 July 2022

Today we commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration. More than a historic milestone whose value lies in its commemorative significance, we recall 12 July 2016 as the day that affirmed to the community of nations that the rule of law prevails, and that stability, peace and progress can only be attained when founded on a rules-based legal order on the oceans, as it should be everywhere else. 

The Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are the twin anchors of the Philippines’ policy and actions on the West Philippine Sea. 

The year 2022 is also the 40th anniversary of the adoption of UNCLOS. UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. There is no recourse to general international law on matters comprehensively covered by the UNCLOS. Compliance with UNCLOS, which represents a delicate balance of the rights and obligations of all States Parties, in its entirety is key to ensuring global and regional peace and the fair and sustainable use of the oceans. 

The Award, an affirmation of UNCLOS’ dispute resolution mechanisms, not only sets reason and right in the South China Sea, but is an inspiration for how matters should be considered – through reason and right – by states facing similarly challenging circumstances. 

It authoritatively ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’ had no basis in law and is without legal effect. 

It upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone. 

It affirmed that certain actions within the Philippines’ EEZ violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights and were thus unlawful; that large-scale reclamation and construction of artificial islands caused severe environmental harm in violation of international conventions; that the large-scale harvesting of endangered marine species damaged the marine ecosystem; and that actions taken since the commencement of the arbitration had aggravated the disputes. 

These findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal, and are conclusive as they are indisputable. The Award is final. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories. At the same time, we welcome the support of a growing list of countries for the Award. 

The Award benefits the world across the board. We do not see it as directed at any other country, near or far. We see it as it should be seen: as favoring all which are similarly situated by clarifying definitively a legal situation beyond the reach of arms to change. It puts this aspect of international law beyond the limit of prescription. 

And so we say once again: the present that we need and the future that we want is a peaceful South China Sea. The Philippines is committed to this for as long as it exists. END 

ADVISORY AND GUIDELINES ON THE CONSULAR OUTREACH IN GWANGJU

The Philippine Embassy wishes to inform the Filipino public that it will conduct a Consular Outreach Mission from July 29, 2022, Friday (09:00 AM to 06:00 PM) to July 30, 2022, Saturday (09:00 AM to 03:00 PM) at the IT Square Bldg., Honam University, 417 Eodeung-daero Gwangsan-gu - Gwangju, South Korea. 

The Embassy will render consular services including processing of passport applications and renewals, civil registrations, notarials, travel documents, NBI clearances, Embassy IDs and other certifications. Representatives from POLO, OWWA and Pag-Ibig will join the consular team to provide information on labor, welfare assistance, and other services.

The following guidelines shall be observed:

1. All applicants are required to observe appropriate health protocols and social distancing measures.

2. For passport-related transactions, appointment slots may be obtained at https://www.passport.gov.ph/ (choose and click under site ("Gwangju Outreach") beginning 11 July 2022. There will be 136 slots opened for July 29, and 100 slots for July 30.

a. Applicants for lost passports do not need an appointment.

b. Minor children who will apply for passports for the first time do not need an appointment. 

c. Dual citizen applicants who intend to take an oath of allegiance on July 29 and July 30 must also secure a passport appointment.

3. Senior citizens (60 years-old and above); minors who are 7 years old and below accompanied by an adult parent/guardian; persons with disabilities; pregnant women; and those with valid emergencies (such as death of a family member, medical emergency) or urgent need to travel, may be accommodated as walk-in applicants.

4. For transactions related to notarial services (i.e., Certificate of Natural Born, Certificate of Philippine Driver's License, Embassy ID, Dual Citizenship) and civil registry services (i.e., Report of Birth, Affidavit of Paternity and Use of Surname of the Father, Report of Marriage, LCCM/Marriage License, Travel Document), please obtain a slot at https://bit.ly/3yWyQ53. 

a. All requirements (original and photocopies; for passports, only photocopies are required) may be sent by mail to the Philippine Embassy on or before 25 July 2022 at the address below to allow for pre-processing and same day release of documents for consularization in Gwangju:

Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea, 80 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Postal Code: 04346

b. All applicants will receive an email from the Philippine Embassy should you lack other requirements and/or there is a discrepancy in your submitted documents.

5. All applicants for dual citizenship may take their oath on July 29, 2022 (Friday) at 4:00 PM, and on July 30, 2022 (Saturday) at 10:00 AM. Applicants are required to arrive at the consular outreach site in the morning for preparation of documents.

6. A consular checklist of requirements may be found at http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/consular.asp, while blank forms may be found at http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp.

7. For inquiries, you may email us at the following:

Thank you.

7 July 2022.