Independent senatorial candidate Francis N. Tolentino yesterday cited the importance of a multi-lateral approach in resolving the lingering issue in the West Philippine Sea.
Tolentino, who has a master’s degree on Public International Law, stressed the significance of involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, aside from the Philippines and China, in resolving disputing claims in the West Philippine Sea.
“There should be a plus-plus multilateral approach given the existing geopolitics here in the ASEAN. It should be China plus the ASEAN,” said Tolentino, a disaster preparedness advocate, who earned his degree from the University of London.
Tolentino insisted that the issue of West Philippine Sea should be discussed by candidates in the 2016 elections. The former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman’s statement came after the international tribunal accepted the case filed by the country against China over disputed islands in the South China Sea.
(Robert R. Requintina)