Palace presses Code of Conduct after Taiwan leader’s visit to disputed isle

Malacañang on Thursday stressed the need for the passage of a legally-binding code of conduct in the South China Sea following outgoing Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to Itu Aba in the disputed area.

Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Philippine government remains firm on its stand on the importance of a code of conduct in the disputed territories.

“Kung anuman ang plano o aksyon ng iba, hindi natitinag ang posisyon ng pamahalaan hinggil sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” Coloma said at a press briefing.

He said the code of conduct should be legally binding to all the countries with maritime entitlement claims over West Philippine Sea.

“Nais nating maisapinal na Code of Conduct ay ‘yung magiging legally binding ito sa lahat ng mga partido na mayroong maritime entitlement claims sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea,” he said.

He added it is important in the implementation of the freedom of navigation and flight and respect to international law.

“Mahalaga dito ‘yung pagpapairal sa mga prinsipyo ng freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, at respeto para sa international law, lalung-lalo na ‘yung International Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Coloma said.

Ma flew to Itu Aba Thursday to reaffirm Taipei's sovereignty over the outpost. (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/553002/news/world/taiwan-president-flies-to-disputed-island-in-south-china-sea)

Taiwan has just finished a $100 million port upgrade and built a new lighthouse on Itu Aba, known as Taiping in Taiwan. The island, which lies in the Spratlys, also has an airstrip, a hospital and fresh water.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier expressed opposition to Ma’s trip.

"We remind all parties concerned of our shared responsibility to refrain from actions that can increase tension in the South China Sea," Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement. -NB, GMA News