Philippines Deposits Scarborough Shoal Chart with UN, Reaffirms Commitment to International Law

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday that the Philippines formally deposited its official nautical chart of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding maritime zones with the United Nations Secretariat on July 29, marking another important milestone in the country’s continuing efforts to uphold international law and reinforce the legal certainty of its maritime entitlements. Such a move was made pursuant to Article 16 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which requires coastal states to give due publicity to official charts or lists of geographical coordinates showing the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. By placing the chart on deposit with the Secretary General of the UN, the DFA said the Philippines ensures its official maritime information forms part of the public international record. The Philippine delegation was led by Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN Enrique Manalo, who formally presented National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Chart 1567, entitled “Bajo de Masinloc and Approach” to Alice Hicuburundi, deputy director of the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. Manalo was joined by Usec. Peter Tiangco, NAMRIA administrator, together with senior officials and legal experts from the DFA, Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, NAMRIA and the University of the Philippines. Prepared by NAMRIA using internationally recognized hydrographic and geodetic standards, the DFA said the chart depicts the normal baselines of Bajo de Masinloc, together with the outer limits of its territorial sea and contiguous zone, in accordance with UNCLOS and Philippine law. The DFA said the Philippines “remains firmly committed to the rule of law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the primacy of UNCLOS as the comprehensive legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas.” This action underscores the Philippines' stance in asserting its rights based on international law amidst rising tensions over maritime claims in the South China Sea. The move is particularly significant as it contrasts with China's expansive claims, with the Philippines emphasizing its adherence to UNCLOS. Japan, which supports freedom of navigation and the rule of law in the South China Sea, views such initiatives by the Philippines as crucial for maintaining regional order.