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OPEN LETTER TO EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SALVADOR MEDIALDEA

From: Albert del Rosario Chair, Stratbase ADR Institute

2 May 2021

______________________________________________________________________________ Dear Mr. Secretary, I humbly write to openly and briefly respond to the allegations on the challenges surrounding the West Philippine Sea which were published this morning. Allow me to address the following questions: First, why is the president being counted upon to resolve challenges for which he was not responsible? On the West Philippine Sea, at the outset and until now, China is strongly asserting that it has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea as represented by the nine-dash line. During the incumbency of President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippine government filed an arbitration case in The Hague, resulting in an overwhelming victory. Shortly after the successful outcome which included the invalidation of the nine-dash line, it was decided by our government to shelve the case for fear of displeasing Beijing. On why is the president being counted upon to lead in resolving challenges to sovereignty, it is because this is what presidents must be relied upon to do. To defend what is ours is also found in our Constitution.

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Second, why is the Arbitral Tribunal victory being depicted as one to be of significance to a small minority of countries only. For the record, nearly all of the responsible nations have recognized that the Arbitral outcome is now an integral part of international law. These responsible nations include U.S., Japan, Australia, France, Germany, EU, Canada, UK, and many other countries. We trust that their support is being consolidated. Third, why is the Palace saying that there is no possibility that the Arbitral outcome can be enforced? There are various ways to enforce the outcome, one of which is to submit our case before the UN General Assembly to compel China to abide by the rule of law. There are several precedents that have resulted in which a small country has won over a much larger country in the UN General Assembly. Finally, China has been taking away our land and waters. We would like to ask, Mr. Secretary, why our fellow Filipinos are being chastised for wanting to defend our country, rather than China? Why are we giving more importance to China over that of our own people? On Justice Carpio and I, why are we being depicted as cowards yet wanting to be seen as being brave? Mr. Secretary, I assure you I am not brave nor am I a coward. Neither do I seek a position or a political favor. To the good senator who spoke of this, I must confess that I had previously given him the benefit of the doubt on his ability to serve the country. Now I know. Thank you for your precious time, Mr. Secretary. I truly and sincerely wish for you the very best. Yours respectfully, Albert