The principles of sovereign equality and par in parem non habet imperium under international law gives

the Chinese government reserves the right to decline the ruling of the UNCLOS Arbitration. Both states,
the Philippines and China are sovereign states. In the said principle of sovereign equality, states are
herein independent from external control to conduct its affairs both internal and external. Par in parem
non habet imperium, on the other hand, would mean that a sovereign state cannot compel the other to
do their bidding. These principles recognize the sanctity of sovereignty possessed by independent states
and accords them with equal rights in writing and practice.

The ruling of UNCLOS Arbitration on the issue of West Philippine Sea, shows us the implication of
sovereign equality. Prior to the arbitration, both states, are asked for their consent to be tried. The same
consent is also asked for them to apply the ruling. In this case, the UNCLOS Arbitration ruled in favor of
the Philippines, stating that China’s 9-dash line has no legal bases under international law.

Focusing on the ruling in the Philippine perspective, this would and SHOULD imply, that every Filipino
reserves the right to exploit the EEZs – the transit, fishing, and other affairs of the state that are not
contrary to its established national policies. Therefore, this would allow every Filipino to maximize the
resources found in the said area free from threats, attacks, and interference from other states,
especially China.

Legally speaking, let’s say China, did recognized the ruling, Filipinos exploiting the resources found in the
EEZs – that would include the disputed islands, will contribute greatly to the economy of the state,
through imports and exports of the resources harvested from the said area.

The Philippine society will be able to meet up to their daily demands, as resources flow in abundance –
granting stability to the lower to middle class strata, respectively, as we will no longer need to rely
heavily on importations from other countries.

A boosted economy will also be enjoyed by the Philippines if the ruling is recognized. The disputed areas
contain oil, and oil, is dubbed as the black gold in the World Market. Having access to exploit the oils in
the disputed areas would mean, lower oil prices, and with lower oil prices would mean lower
transportation costs – especially to raw materials such as fruits and vegetables, would mean lower cost
of living for every Filipino. Poverty will be slowly alleviated should we have the absolute right to exploit
these areas and waters. The Philippines would gradually develop itself through the natural resources it
can exploit in the EEZs.

Sadly, this is not the reality.