Malacañang yesterday welcomed greater international participation to peacefully resolve maritime disputes in the South China Sea, especially with Beijing’s ongoing reclamation activities. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated the Philippine government’s position that a code of conduct “will greatly help governing behavior in disputed areas.” “The Philippines remains committed to pushing the completion of the Code of Conduct,” she said in a text message, noting that President Aquino “remained firm on this position” in the last Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

Esguerra, C., & Macatuno, A. (2015, May 16). Palace welcomes int'l effort on China sea row. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.