Rights Corridor Dialogues’ latest episode (May 23), attempted to tackle the controversial issue on the Philippines’ legal claim on the West Philippine Sea as against China’s “historical claim”.

The episode featured Atty. Howard M. Calleja, a well-respected professor of law in various notable law schools in the Philippines and one of the conveners of the recently launched 1sambayan (one nation) a pro-democracy coalition put together by retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a staunch advocate of the protection and preservation of the West Philippine Sea, who also previously discussed the topic with Rights Corridor Dialogues (Understanding the West Philippine Sea, Oct. 17, 2020).

*The virtual discussion with Prof. Calleja was joined by Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Paul Raymund Cortes and some members of OFW Watch Italy, RC Dialogues partner for the episode.

The May 23 episode aimed to have a deeper understanding on the domestic and international politics surrounding the West Philippine Sea, after the recent report on the incursions of China in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has further increased the tension between Philippine government officials and Chinese authorities.

The discussion with Atty. Calleja also attempted to understand Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s  policies on the West Philippine Sea and why he refuses to make a strong stance against Chinese incursions.

Overall, RC Dialogues intended to seek probable solutions to the simmering tension between the two Asian countries. Watch full video