The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a dedicated maritime unit to serve as the government’s repository of expertise and legal knowledge on the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling and other maritime issues.

This was according to Justice Secretary Frederrick Vida in connection with the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral award, saying the initiative aims to preserve and strengthen the gains secured by the country through the ruling in favor of its claims in the West Philippine Sea.

He said inorder to maintain and to sustain actually the gains from the arbitral award, the DOJ has a dedicated unit sa legal services natin to be a source of expertise on this matter.

“That is why we have a dedicated maritime unit, maritime law center that was established by the Department of Justice for us to have single repository of expertise on this matter,” he added.

The DOJ chief said the arbitral ruling affirmed the legal position of the Philippines and validated the country’s decision to pursue peaceful and lawful means in asserting its maritime rights.

“It confirmed and affirmed the position of the Philippine government and the Philippine action,” he said.

He noted, however, that the ruling is not self-executing and that the country must continue asserting and defending the rights recognized by the tribunal particularly those affecting Filipino fishermen.

Vida said the decision, the award is not self-executing thus the need to fight for Philippine rights.

The DOJ joins other government agencies in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award not only as a historical milestone but as a continuing responsibility owed to future generations.

“For us today here in DOJ along with the other agencies ceklebrated the 10^th year arbitral ruling. But the spirit of the decision is not only for our generation it is also for the succeeding generation,” Vida said.

The significance of the Philippines’ decision to seek relief through international law rather than confrontation, Vida cited.

“The position of our government is very good. Instead of confrontation, we listen to the rule of law,” said Vida.

On 12 July 2016, the Philippines secured a landmark victory after an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea and affirmed Manila’s sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.