Carandang was part of the team that filed Manila’s claim on the Benham Rise, which was recognized by the UN in 2012.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 16) – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has revealed that China is one of the states that voted for the Philippines to win a seat in an international body that enforces the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the global legal framework that governs all maritime activities in the world.
“We have differences, sure. We tried but failed to bridge them, but the endeavor was sincere,” the country’s top diplomat said in his tweet, referring to the Philippines-China relations.
“We are patriots each of our respective causes, but we have a deep respect and genuine affection for each other,” Locson added.
Manila has lodged numerous diplomatic protests against Beijing over the years for the latter’s encroachment on islands that are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
This is despite a 2016 ruling by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea and declaring those are covered by the Philippines’ EEZ.
The Philippine Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, USA confirmed the country won a seat in the Asia-Pacific Group of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) after receiving 113 votes from the 164 member states during the elections held coinciding with the 32nd Meeting of the State Parties to UNCLOS on Thursday morning (Philippine time).
It will be the first time the country will serve in the commission, the Philippine Mission to the UN added.
Locsin thanked the countries which selected the Philippines to be part of the CLCS.
“To the countries that voted for the candidate of the Philippines which is the only one that studies to fight and win, on the merits, the rights of countries with continental shelfs, I thank you,” Locsin said.
Meanwhile, Locsin expressed dismay with Australia for not supporting the Philippines’ candidature to CLCS.
“Thought we were partners in upholding rules-based order in the maritime domain. Come through for us,” the Philippine foreign affairs chief expressed his disappointment on the country’s maritime ally.
The Philippines will serve its term in the CLCS starting next year until 2028.
It will be headed by National Mapping and Resource Information Authority Deputy Administrator Efren Carandang, a known ocean governance expert.
