Duterte urged: Include Del Rosario, Carpio in talks with China

MANILA, Philippines – The high-caliber delegation that pursued the Philippine case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague should be part of the government panel that will hold bilateral talks with China, a senator proposed Friday, July 15.

“The members of the Philippine delegation to The Hague should be part of the team assigned to bilateral talks with China,” said Senator Bam Aquino in a statement. Key members such as former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario and Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio should “definitely be included in the team,” the senator said. (WATCH: Live: West Philippine Sea after victory)

The Duterte administration is eyeing the holding of bilateral talks with China as the next step after its huge victory at the Hague. Carpio was among those who briefed the Cabinet on the ruling on July 12.

But China said it will reject talks that are premised on the ruling that favored the Philippines.

Senator Aquino said however that  “it’s clear that China must comply as a member of the community of nations.” – Rappler.com