There is absolutely NOTHING in the decision that recognizes Philippine sovereignty. NOTHING. ZERO.

In the recent World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Martin Romualdez said that the 2016 Arbitral award recognized the sovereignty of the Philippines. This is 100% False.

Ginagamit ng lawyers ang salitang “without prejudice” upang i-assure ang parties sa dispute na hindi ma-weaken ang kanilang mga positions. Samakatuwid, ang gustong ipahiwatig ng lawyer ng Pilipinas ay ito: ang claims ng Pilipinas sa South China Sea Arbitration ay hindi para i-weaken ang “territorial assertions” ng China at ng other States.

At sa decision nila, walang intention ang Arbitration Decision to “advance nor detracts from either Party’s claim to land sovereignty in the South China Sea,” na sinabi rin nila sa Paragraph 153.

Martin Romualdez either has not read the decision, or has read it and DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT, or is just deliberately lying. There is absolutely NOTHING in the decision that recognizes Philippine sovereignty. NOTHING. ZERO.