MANILA -- The Philippine government could not be stopped from its decision to resume repair and construction works in its claimed territory in West Philippine Sea or South China Sea despite recent warning of China.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Saturday in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Palace supports the position of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the repairs in West Philippine Sea areas are not covered under the prohibited actions under the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in South China Sea.
"We have made our position known especially in the appropriate tribunal when it comes to the matter of the dispute on the territory," she said in reaction to China's statement that the Philippine plan would be infringing on its territory.
China has been claiming the entire South China Sea, including those areas within the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
The Philippines has brought up its territorial row with China before an international tribunal.
Valte said the process is now moving in the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal.
"Binigyan naman sila (China) ng pagkakataon na sumagot doon sa memorial na ating sinubmit (submit). Tayo naman, on the other hand, we were asked to submit more documents and we complied with that particular instruction. So, moving forward...the advantages and disadvantages of their decision should have already been considered by them," she said.
China has rejected to participate in the international tribunal. (SDR/Sunnex)