President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday stressed anew at the United Nations (UN) the importance of Manila’s historic arbitral victory against Beijing’s maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Speaking at the 76th session of the UN general assembly, the President said China’s refusal to acknowledge the 2016 ruling of The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration won’t diminish its worth. “No amount of willful disregard by any country, however big and powerful, can diminish the arbitral award’s importance,” he told the international body through a pre-recorded video message.

Blancaflor, M. (2021, September 23). WPS 'win-win' solution for all. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A6.