Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 29) — Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands Jose Eduardo Malaya has been chosen as president of the administrative council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) for 2023-2024.
“Grateful for the opportunity to serve at auspicious times as the @PCA_CPA will also mark its 125 yr milestone in 2024, a time for reflection as to how it can remain dynamic and relevant in our troubled world; looking forward to working closely with its energetic SG (Secretary-General) @Marcin Czepelak,” Malaya said in a tweet.
Malaya will be the first Filipino to lead the administrative council, which is tasked with shaping the policies of the organization and overseeing its budget.
Established by a treaty in 1899, the PCA is an “intergovernmental organization providing a variety of dispute resolution services to the international community.”
The international tribunal, in a landmark ruling that favored Manila in 2016, dismissed Beijing’s sweeping claim in the South China Sea — a decision China has repeatedly rejected.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) congratulated Malaya for his new position, saying his appointment was a “recognition of his exemplary record in diplomacy and government service.”
“The IBP considers this as an opportunity to uphold its commitment to advance all interests in the preservation of the rule of law,” it said in a statement. “In this regard, the IBP strives to safeguard the ideals of achieving justice and peace through law.”
Malaya served as undersecretary of the Department of Affairs (DFA) from 2019 to 2022. He previously worked as DFA assistant secretary for treaties and legal affairs, and the agency’s spokesperson.
The veteran diplomat was also the Philippine ambassador to Malaysia from 2011 to 2017.
“He has led the Philippine accession in 2010 to the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, which paved the way for the country’s membership in the Permanent Court of Arbitration,” the IBP said.
Grateful for the opportunity to serve at auspicious times as @PCA_CPA will also mark its 125 yr milestone in 2024, a time for reflection as to how it can remain dynamic and relevant in our troubled world; looking forward to working closely with its energetic SG @Marcin_Czepelak https://t.co/T6iALsiGmw pic.twitter.com/URSi7OY56H
— Ed Malaya (@malaya_ed) December 14, 2022
On 12 December, #PCA held its 208th meeting of the Administrative Council which approved by consensus the budget for 2023. Furthermore, Amb. @Atpteran was chosen as Budget Committee Chair for 2023 and Amb. @malaya_ed was chosen as new Acting President of the Council for 2023-2024 pic.twitter.com/DUHYwCLG3L
— Permanent Court of Arbitration (@PCA_CPA) December 14, 2022
