PNoy Calls for Restoring Status Quo in South China Sea at ASEAN Summit

President Aquino urged members of the ASEAN to return to the status quo in the South China Sea. Speaking at the 23rd ASEAN Summit in Brunei, Aquino cited a 2002 declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea that provides for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and non-occupation of disputed territories. "We enjoin all parties in the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in all its aspects, especially paragraph 5, which in effect preserves the status quo at the time that the DOC was concluded in 2002," he said. Aquino also renewed calls for nations to fast-track the creation of a code of conduct and rule of law. Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said the position is consistent with the country's stand on the territorial dispute. "Yung pagpunta natin sa UN, 'yung pag-advocate natin ng Code of Conduct na binding-lahat po ito ay bahagi ng isang mapayapa at rules-based, legally-based resolution," he said. ANC HEADSTART, October 10, 2013