The Philippines and Australia are actively discussing conducting a joint maritime patrol in the South China Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Monday.

Speaking before the Australian Institute of International Affairs at the University of Adelaide in Australia, Manalo said a joint maritime patrol in the South China Sea between Manila and Canberra is part of the three recent developments in the bilateral ties of the two nations.

"Our reinforced commitment as maritime democracies to uphold an UNCLOS-based maritime regime and ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight," he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.