The so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it. We oppose and do not accept any claim or action based on the award,
We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it,
China will firmly oppose any infringement activities and provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea based on the act,
China urges the Philippine side to effectively respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, to immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the widening of the dispute and complicate the situation,
Our people, especially our fisher folk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment,
China will not recognize these, but the imprimatur that we'll be getting from the international community would strengthen our position,
However, these Philippines' actions are not only unhelpful for resolving disputes but will only further intensify conflicts and exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea,
These signal our resolve to protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity and ensure that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos,
With these pieces of legislation, we align our domestic laws with international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, improve our capacity for governance, and reinforce our maritime policies for economic development and for national security,
These legal instruments solidify our territory and enhances our ability to protect our country against any infringement,
This matter is close to my heart because these measures prove not only our commitment to ensuring the safety and prosperity of our maritime domain but also our firm faith in our identity as a maritime nation. It is a spirit that transcends administrations. It is an intrinsic and undeniable part of the national – the Filipino character,
It is imperative for the Philippines to cease their deliberate and wrong actions that undermine the overall interests of the bilateral relationship between the two countries and the peace and stability in the South China Sea,
It is my fervent hope that with the help of these two laws, we will continue to pursue and defend our maritime interests and navigate towards a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas,