PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 July 2026, CANBERRA - Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales underscored the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and a rules-based maritime order during the Australian National University (ANU) Philippines Institute forum on Enacting National Maritime Policy in the Philippines.

The public lecture was co-organized by the Philippine Embassy together with ANU Philippines Institute and the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. Professor Herman Joseph Kraft of the University of the Philippines Diliman, delivered the keynote presentation. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Strategy and Maritime Security Branch Glenn Elson delivered the closing remarks.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Morales emphasized that the Philippines is a maritime nation whose security, prosperity, and sustainable development are intrinsically linked to the oceans and seas. He noted that maritime issues require a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach and reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes.

The Ambassador also highlighted the significance of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and emphasized that it is a milestone for the rules-based international order and the continued application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He expressed appreciation for Australia's consistent support for the Award, including Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong's message during the Department of Foreign Affairs' commemorative conference. He likewise acknowledged the valuable contributions of Australia through initiatives such as the ANCORS Law of the Sea Training Program and Australia's Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships, which have strengthened regional maritime capacity-building.

Professor Kraft discussed the evolution of the Philippines' maritime governance framework, including the establishment of the National Maritime Council, the enactment of the Maritime Zones Act, the designation of Archipelagic Sea Lanes, and the development of the National Maritime Policy. He explained that the policy seeks to provide a unified strategic framework that coordinates government agencies, strengthens maritime security and governance, advances a sustainable blue economy, addresses climate change, and reinforces the Philippines' ability to safeguard its maritime rights and interests.

In his closing remarks, Assistant Secretary Elson welcomed the Philippines' efforts to give practical effect to its archipelagic status and reaffirmed Australia's consistent support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. He highlighted Australia's investment of more than AUD160 million over ten years to strengthen maritime cooperation with Southeast Asia, including support for the Philippine Coast Guard through drone technology, training, and assistance in maritime law and policy.

As maritime democracies, the Philippines and Australia remain committed to upholding UNCLOS, promoting a rules-based maritime order, preserving regional peace and stability, and protecting the marine environment. This shared commitment is also reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation signed by the two countries in 2024. - END

📖 Learn more about the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award:
https://sites.google.com/dfa.gov.ph/notoneinch/home

📄 Read the Joint Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/2ucfjmb4

#2016ArbitralAward
#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺