DFA: Sea Code of Conduct up in the air
MANILA, Philippines — The conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea during this year’s Philippine chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is unlikely, with only 70 percent of the negotiations completed.
At a press briefing yesterday at the International Media Center, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ASEAN spokesman Dominic Xavier Imperial said the COC negotiations are still ongoing.
“At the moment, we’re seeing a 70 percent completion of the negotiations. We’re at that stage at the moment, and looking at the remaining 30 percent, that will be up to our negotiators on how they will be able to complete that,” he announced.
A regional code of conduct aims to prevent conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea from erupting into violent confrontations.
The remaining issues being discussed center on how the agreement should come about, Imperial said.
“From the Philippine side, what we want to ensure is that the COC will guide the behavior of all parties in the South China Sea and we are also pushing that the right of third parties to be respected even if they’re not part of the negotiation,” he explained.
Imperial stressed that the Philippines “wants to make sure that those elements will matter when the COC negotiation is completed.”
The Philippines aims to complete the negotiations within the year, following the decision of the foreign ministers three years ago to finalize the talks.
abtestabtest OCTA Research rejects bias claims over Leni-Sara surveys, cites Duterte's lead 7 hours ago OCTA Research has rejected claims that its hypothetical 2028 election surveys were rigged to favor Naga City Mayor Leni ... Headlines Sara Duterte's GenCorp declaration may be 'Freudian slip,' says lawyer By Alyana Uy | 12 hours ago If the vice president wasn't a GenCorp stockholder, why did she receive P2.14 million? Headlines Donald Trump's late arrival won't delay ASEAN summit closing — spox By Cristina Chi | 14 hours ago United States President Donald Trump's late arrival to the 49th ASEAN summit next week will not push back its closing,... Headlines Makati court issues extradition warrant on Quiboloy, co-accused in U.S. charges By Ian Laqui | 12 hours ago Makati court finds probable cause, also issues hold departure orders against 3. Headlines Latest More in Headlines ‘Extradition arrest warrant vs Quiboloy out Another oil price rollback seen next week Luistro: Defense testimony ‘self-destructive’ on VP investments ‘Comelec can set new BSKE date without new law’ abtest President Marcos to hold bilateral meet with UN chief, world leaders By Helen Flores | 40 minutes ago President Marcos will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Korea on the sidelines... Headlines COA chair named SC justice By Helen Flores | 40 minutes ago President Marcos has appointed Commission on Audit (COA) chair Gamaliel Cordoba as associate justice of the Supreme Court,... Headlines Meralco rates rise in November By Brix Lelis | 40 minutes ago Over eight million customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) should brace for higher electricity bills in November as rising... Headlines Corruption crackdown, digitalization among new BIR chief’s top agenda By Aubrey Rose Inosante | 40 minutes ago Newly appointed Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Rolando Ligon Jr. has vowed to continue the agency’s efforts... Headlines Recommended Bomba ni Sara November 13, 2026 - 12:00am Nipasalig si Bise Sara nga kapin sa duha ka tuig silang nangandam sa iyang depensa. HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE Periko sa China November 10, 2026 - 12:00am Tagsa ra si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte nga mosugyot og sulbad sa mga problema sa nasud. HeadlinesTRENDING Immigration and a divided Washington November 8, 2026 - 12:00am Imagine waking up after the 2026 midterms to a brand-new political reality: Democrats have flipped both the Senate and the House. President Donald Trump is still in the White House finishing out his second term,...r HeadlinesTRENDING next Recommended Bomba ni Sara Nipasalig si Bise Sara nga kapin sa duha ka tuig silang nangandam sa iyang depensa. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE Periko sa China Tagsa ra si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte nga mosugyot og sulbad sa mga problema sa nasud. 4 days ago TRENDING Immigration and a divided Washington Imagine waking up after the 2026 midterms to a brand-new political reality: Democrats have flipped both the Senate and the House. President Donald Trump is still in the White House finishing out his second term, but the dynamic in Washington just completely transformed overnight. If there is one issue where you will feel this political tectonic shift instantly, it is U.S. immigration policy. 6 days ago TRENDING OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
