The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has lauded the election of Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands Jose Eduardo Malaya as president of the Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) for 2023 to 2024.
“As the first Filipino national to serve at the helm of the Administrative Council of the PCA, the IBP and the Philippine legal community express their pride and happiness in Ambassador Malaya’s election,” the IBP said, in a statement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the PCA is one of the world’s foremost dispute settlement tribunals, alongside the International Court of Justice.
The awards and decisions of its tribunals and commissions have significantly shaped the development of international law and contributed to world peace, the DFA said.
It can be recalled that the PCA was the body that ruled on the disputes in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China in July 2016.
The Administrative Council provides general guidance on the work and direction of the PCA, and supervises its administration, budget, and expenditure. It shapes the policy of the organization in consultation with its Secretary-General.
“The IBP considers this as an opportunity to uphold its commitment to advance all interests in the preservation of the rule of law, and to safeguard the ideals of achieving justice and peace through law,” the organization said.
It noted that Malaya’s appointment is in “recognition of his exemplary record in diplomacy and government service.” Rey E. Requejo
Malaya had served as undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from 2019 to 2022 and twice served as assistant secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs (2007 to 2011 and 2017 to 2019).
Malaya was also the Philippine ambassador to Malaysia from 2011 to 2017 and DFA spokesman from 2009 to 2011, it also said.
The IBP also said Malaya led the Philippines’ accession in 2010 to the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes that paved the way for the country’s membership in the PCA.