In his weekly address to the nation, President Rodrigo Duterte invited Enrile to discuss some of the issues surrounding Beijing vessel incursion in the country's territorial waters.
“Sa aking paningin, hindi naman nasasayang yung desisyon ng arbitration diyan sa bagay na ‘yan. Palagay ko naka-rehistro yung desisyon na ‘yun sa record ng UN [United Nations]," said Enrile, who was a former defense chief during the Marcos regime.
However, he argued that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is not powerful enough to ensure that the resolution is being followed.
"Palagay ko kahit may resolution ng UN yan, di mapapatupad ng UN yung resolution nila. Wala silang police force eh. Wala namang world government na kagaya ng estruktura sa ating bansa," he added.
Duterte previously referred to the arbitral win as a ‘piece of paper’ that he will throw away in a trash bin.
In 2016, the Philippines won its case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. However, China rejected the ruling, saying its claims have a historical basis and are “indisputable.”
Since then the said country continued fishing in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
In the same address, Enrile also advised Duterte to remain friendly with China.
“Kaya dapat kailangan na friendly ang approach natin diyan, hindi hard, assertive and aggressive approach,” Enrile told Duterte.
“Sapagkat kung hindi tayo magkakaunawaan sa Tsina ay madadamay ang interest ng ating mga kababayan, ang ating ekonomiya, pati na rin ang ating seguridad dito sa usapin na ito,” he added.
