Metro Manila, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Secretary General Marcin Czepelak in The Hague as the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling.
The meeting at the Peace Palace took place during Lazaro’s official visit to the Netherlands for the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Netherlands diplomatic relations.
During the talks, Lazaro discussed the role of the PCA in the peaceful settlement of disputes and upholding the rule of law.
“Discussed with PCA SecGen Marcin Czepelak the vital role of the PCA in peaceful settlement of disputes, conciliation, and upholding the rule of law,” Lazaro said in a statement.
“PH marks this year the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, of which the PCA served as official Registry of the proceedings,” she added.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Lazaro also cited the Philippines’ adherence to peaceful dispute settlement and compliance with international law.
Czepelak, for his part, recognized the Philippines’ contributions to the PCA since joining the body in 2010.
The DFA said he also cited the role of Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo Malaya, who served as president of the PCA Administrative Council from 2024 to 2025 during the organization’s 125th anniversary.
Under the Philippines’ presidency, the PCA secured the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing the organization’s “important contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the DFA added.
The PCA, established in 1899, facilitates arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding, and other dispute settlement proceedings involving states, international organizations, and private parties.
