The Stratbase Institute, led by its President and CEO, Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the WPS Philippine Advisory Board, co-hosted the Ministerial and Diplomatic Reception to mark the opening of this year’s Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea. 

In his speech, Prof. Manhit emphasized that the Philippines and the rest of the international community must assert that the South China Sea, as a global commons, should remain a zone of peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity. He underscored that only the rule of law must prevail, and no single country should be allowed to assert dominance over others. It is imperative, he said, that we actively resist and expose actions that seek to turn the South China Sea into a theater of Chinese expansionism.  

The reception was also attended by National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, who highlighted the growing complexities and uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that the challenges in the South China Sea have far-reaching consequences for the stability and prosperity of all nations.  

Meanwhile, in his video message, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez reaffirmed that the Philippines’ position on the South China Sea remains firmly anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award. He stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism by strengthening global partnerships, promoting a rules-based international order, and countering unilateral actions that undermine international law and norms.  

The Institute also attended the Opening Dinner where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s speech, delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, centered on the importance of rule of law of upholding the sanctity of the rule of law in the maritime domain. He stressed that the Philippines will never waver in its commitment to international law and the resolution of differences through peaceful means.  

The Stratbase Institute looks forward to the discussions in the coming days. We believe that platforms such as the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea are crucial in fostering meaningful exchanges and collaboration toward a peaceful, stable, and rules-based regional order.