The Philippines continues to “assert’’ its rights in the South China Sea even as it pursues bilateral ties with China, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday. “We have not waived, nor have we relinquished these rights,” Roque said in a statement. A Social Weather Stations mobile phone survey showed that 70 percent of Filipinos believe the government should assert its rights over the islands in the disputed sea. In a case brought by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea on July 12, 2016. China has refused to recognize the ruling. Roque acknowledged that there was no way to ensure that the ruling was implemented.

Salaverria, L. B., & Pazzibugan, D. Z. (2020, July 16). Palace: PH 'not waiving' maritime rights in S. China Sea. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.