The Philippines follows a defeatist policy.

(Baonghean.vn) - Law professor Florin Hilbay, one of the key figures behind the Philippines' legal victory in its case against China at the Arbitration Tribunal in The Hague (Netherlands) regarding the South China Sea dispute, has expressed disappointment with the approach of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration one year after the ruling.

Hilbay, the chief lawyer under the previous Philippine administration, argued that the current administration has adopted a defeatist stance by setting aside the court ruling in exchange for better relations with Beijing.

Professor Florin Hilbay, one of the key figures behind the Philippines' legal victory against China at the Arbitration Court in The Hague (Netherlands). Photo: AP

Attorney Hilbay said: “The first anniversary of the Arbitration Tribunal ruling marks a year of disappointment upon disappointment following our victory in The Hague. The current administration appears to have adopted a defeatist policy and a mindset of not enforcing this ruling.”

A year after the ruling, the Philippines is still working towards establishing friendly relations with Beijing, by launching direct negotiations on the dispute.

Philippine President Duterte has met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping three times since the arbitration ruling was announced. Only during his second visit to Beijing did Duterte suggest that President Xi threatened to wage war if the Philippines drilled for oil in the disputed waters. Manila also did not present the ruling at the start of bilateral discussions with Beijing.

Lan Ha

(According to Philstar)