Philippines joins US, Australia, Japan in joint maritime drills

On February 5, the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan jointly conducted the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA), which was welcomed by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.

Hontiveros emphasized that such joint maritime activities demonstrate international support for maintaining a 'free, open, and secure' Indo-Pacific region.

The senator highlighted the significance of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, crafted in alignment with international law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, affirming the Philippines' jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea.

Hontiveros noted that these exercises reinforce international consensus against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, described as 'baseless and in direct violation' of UNCLOS.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate's special committee on maritime and admiralty zones, echoed Hontiveros’ sentiments, supporting a multilateral approach to addressing issues related to the West Philippine Sea.