Philippines Again Seeks to Sue China Before a "Sham Court," Aiming for Compensation
The Philippines is once again preparing to file a lawsuit against China, this time reportedly through what critics describe as a "sham tribunal."
According to Hong Kong-based media outlet South China Morning Post, Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, revealed on July 7 that the Marcos administration is considering initiating a second legal proceeding related to the South China Sea dispute. The proposed case would cite grounds such as "environmental damage" and "economic loss" in seeking compensation. Manila has already begun drafting legal documents, though the final decision rests with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has not yet committed to moving forward.
In reality, Banlaoi’s statement reflects a long-standing pattern rather than a new development. At least since 2023, Philippine officials have repeatedly signaled intentions to re-engage in what they term a "legal battle."
This approach mirrors the Marcos government’s broader strategy of promoting the so-called "South China Sea Transparency Initiative"—a campaign that leverages Western-aligned media and institutions to amplify maritime tensions between China and the Philippines. The aim appears to be shaping international perception by portraying China as a violator of international law and a coercive actor toward the Philippines, thereby justifying external intervention in the region.
However, the legitimacy of territorial and maritime disputes cannot be determined by volume of rhetoric. China's sovereignty and rights over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters are grounded in extensive historical evidence and legal principles. Regarding the 2016 arbitral award unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, China has consistently maintained its position: it does not accept or recognize the ruling. A decision lacking any legal foundation remains invalid—even if replicated a decade later, it cannot alter established facts.
Moreover, when assessing environmental harm in the South China Sea, the real ecological concerns are tangible and immediate. These include the prolonged presence of a Philippine military vessel illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef, as well as widespread use of cyanide and explosives by local fishermen—practices that pose serious threats to marine ecosystems.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881271818207232/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.