The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed that the Provisional Understanding with China regarding Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions to Ayungin Shoal does not compromise Philippine sovereign rights or jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. emphasized that the government remains acutely aware of its core disputes with Beijing, particularly concerning the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The DFA stressed that the temporary arrangement was specifically crafted without prejudice to the historic ruling, which validated the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights over Ayungin Shoal.
The department clarified that the arrangement strictly governs the principles and procedures for rotating personnel and delivering essential supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre.
“It does not, and never did, restrict or limit the exercise of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law,” the DFA said.
Addressing criticisms raised by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio regarding operational implementation, the DFA noted that alternatives like air supply drops, unmanned drones, and fast craft had already been evaluated by national security agencies.
“His proposed alternatives, such as airdrops, drones, fast boats, were studied and weighed before and throughout the Provisional Understanding’s implementation,” the DFA said.
The agency suggested Carpio consult directly with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to assess operational feasibility, noting that decisions on vessel deployment, scheduling, routes, and supply manifests fall under the security sector’s jurisdiction.
“Accordingly, the Department defers to the security sector on the Understanding’s continued implementation, should they deem this necessary,” the DFA said.
“There is no intention to replicate the arrangement elsewhere in the Philippine maritime domain,” it added.
The DFA highlighted that the agreement received top-level approval and enabled 15 smooth resupply missions, distinguishing good-faith constructive criticism from malicious attempts to undermine national unity.
“The Department will continue its work—meticulous, deliberate, and undeterred—in defense of the national interest and Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” it said.
“Commentary of this kind, offered in good faith, is a healthy and welcome part of journalistic scrutiny,” the DFA said.