MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is open to study retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza’s proposal for a new Baselines Law to better enforce the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral win against China, Malacañang said Thursday.
Duterte was “very appreciative” of the suggestion, ordering his staff to conduct a review of this, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a press briefing.
“Ang sagot ni Presidente, pakisabi kay Justice, pag merong suggestion sa akin, ibibigay ko yan sa office ng legal then it will be forwarded to the executive secretary for a recommendation for my decision,” Roque said.
(The President’s answer was to tell Justice that if there is any suggestion, relay it to me and I will give it to the legal office to be forwarded to the executive secretary for a recommendation for my decision.)
“‘Yun po yung sinagot nya and asked me to relay to Justice Jardeleza. So it’s just an openness to study the matter,” he added.
(That’s what he said and asked me to relay to Justice Jardeleza. So it’s just an openness to study the matter.)
Roque also suggested this be included in the President’s upcoming and final State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.
“I made the additional request that if the President agrees, then it should also be included in the Sona para malakas ang mensahe sa Kongreso na this will really become a priority bill but it’s now under staff work,” he said.
Jardeleza’s proposal will amend the Baselines Law or Republic Act No. 9522 to identify at least a hundred maritime features in the West Philippine Sea and some 35 offshore rock or high-tide features.
The former justice, who was part of the Philippines’ legal team behind the arbitration, said the “most efficient and practical option” to enforce the arbitral award which Duterte previously called as a “piece of paper.”
Jardeleza also urged Duterte to certify as urgent the proposed legislation he crafted alongside international law scholars Dr. Melissa Loja and Professor Romel Bagares.