The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday it is ready to answer questions about the Philippines’ provisional understanding with China on Ayungin Shoal after a senator called for a Senate investigation into the agreement.
“The DFA respects the Senate’s mandate to conduct hearings,” DFA Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva said in a text message.
“The DFA welcomes the opportunity to clarify matters surrounding the Provisional Understanding at the proper forum and in coordination with defense and security agencies.”
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed Senate Resolution No. 536 on July 27, seeking an inquiry into whether the provisional understanding is consistent with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and what its implications are for the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The DFA previously described the understanding as a “set of principles and approaches” designed to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations during resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine Navy ship stationed at Ayungin Shoal.
The agency said the agreement does not concede or diminish Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines and China also agreed that the understanding “does not prejudice national positions,” according to the DFA.
Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As a low-tide elevation, Ayungin Shoal does not generate its own maritime entitlement and cannot be claimed as sovereign territory by another state.
“The Philippines alone holds the sovereign right to authorize any structure there, and Philippine vessels do not require permission to sail to Ayungin,” the DFA said last week.
