PH envoy elected head of PCA governing council

MANILA – Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya was elected as acting president of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) Administrative Council for the term 2023 to 2024.

The Hague-based court, which handed down the 2016 arbitral ruling in the South China Sea, is one the world’s foremost dispute settlement tribunals, alongside the International Court of Justice.

The Administrative Council, composed of representatives from the 122 PCA member states, serves as its governing body.

In his remarks upon assumption, Malaya affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to contributing to the important undertakings of the PCA, and pledged to work closely with the member states and PCA Secretary-General Marcin Czepelak, noting that “the PCA represents our great ideals of achieving justice and peace through law.”

The next two years, Malaya said, are auspicious for the PCA as it will commemorate its 125-year milestone in 2024.

“It will be a time for a review and assessment on the status and prospects of our organization. In a world that is deeply troubled by wars near and far and beset with climate change and other global challenges, it is also a time for reflection for us in the Administrative Council on how we in our time can ensure that the PCA remains dynamic, relevant and faithful to its original vision as a permanent institution of arbitration accessible to all and at all times, working for the maintenance of global peace,” he said.

Incoming University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez welcomed Malaya’s assumption, saying it is an honor for the country to have a Filipino as head of the Council.

“I have known and worked with Ambassador Malaya through the years. As an experienced diplomat, lawyer, and accomplished writer, he has much to contribute to the PCA and international law,” he said.

Malaya’s election was affirmed by acclamation upon the nomination of Asia Group during the council’s 208th session on Dec. 12 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Malaya is the first Filipino and second non-Dutch national to head the council, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In 2010, he led the Philippine accession to the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, which paved the way for the country’s membership in the PCA.

The Administrative Council provides general guidance on its work and general direction, and supervises its administration, budget, and expenditure.

It shapes the policy of the organization in consultation with its Secretary-General.

Prior to being the Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, he was a Foreign Affairs undersecretary and twice served as Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs.

He was Ambassador to Malaysia from 2011 to 2017 and the DFA’s spokesperson from 2009 to 2011.

Malaya published and edited nine books on international law, diplomacy and history, notably the “Philippine Treaties in Force 2020” and “Forging Partnerships: Philippine Defense Cooperation in Constitutional and International Laws.”