Arbitration court chief eyes host country deal with Phl

The chief of the inter-governmental body tasked as record keeper of the proceedings of the landmark arbitral ruling on the South China Sea yesterday expressed interest in forging a deal that would allow the Philippines to host its hearings.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Marcin Czepelak, secretary general of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), mentioned a possible host country agreement with the Philippines during his courtesy call on President Marcos at Malacañang.

"Czepelak expressed interest in exploring the potential for establishing a host country agreement with the Philippines to facilitate PCA hearings within the nation," the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

"His visit offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the Philippines' commitment to international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and the PCA," the PCO added.

The PCA was an offshoot of the 1899 The Hague Convention on the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. The body has 121 member states.