President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, August 29, that the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) plays an important role in the Philippines’ foreign policy amid current geopolitical concerns.
In a courtesy call with PCA Secretary-General Marcin Czepelak in Malacañang, Marcos said the Philippines has shown that it will “continue to adhere to international law and the arbitration,” and will continue to do so.
“The Permanent Court of Arbitration is an important part of our foreign policy considering all the challenges that we are facing right now. And our continuing adherence to international law,” Marcos told Czepelak in their meeting.
“The Court of Arbitration is [important]… that is an argument that we make and have made in several instances. It’s very [gratifying] [you have visited] Manila,” Marcos added.
Czepelak, for his part, expressed gratitude to President Marcos for having the time to meet him, noting that it was his first time visiting the country.
“It is my first time and it is fantastic experience to be able to, first, I meet a lot of people and then I’m allowed to evenvisit some places. And I’m very happy that you found the time,” the visiting PCA official said.
Czepelak said he was interested in looking into the possibility of making a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Philippines so that PCA hearings could happen in that country.
His visit is a great chance to praise the Philippines’ dedication to international law, peaceful conflict settlement, and the PCA, and to wish the Arbitral Court a happy 125th birthday.
Czepelak talked about how much the Philippines has done for the group, especially since it is currently leading the PCA Administrative Council.
Established in 1899, the Permanent Court of Arbitration facilitates arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states.
Czepelak was assumed as the Secretary General in June 2022. His term will be until May 2027.
The leader will stay in the Philippines from August 26 to August 30.
PCA officials often go to Contracting Parties to support the Court’s ways of settling disputes. (TCSP)
