MANILA, Philippines – Spot the differences.

Exhibit A: “The case before you is of the utmost importance to the Philippines, to the region, and to the world.”

Exhibit B: “The case we filed before the arbitral tribunal with respect to our dispute with China concerns China and the Philippines alone.”

“Exhibit A” is a quote from former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The context is Del Rosario’s opening statement on July 7, 2014, before an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The tribunal was hearing the Philippines’ case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), which the Philippines won on July 12 this year.

“Exhibit B” is a quote from Del Rosario’s successor, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/141437-yasay-del-rosario-philippines-china-asean