As geopolitical tensions sharpen and the Philippines remains at the heart of developments in the West Philippine Sea, a newly updated legal reference on treaty practice was launched Friday, underscoring the growing importance of precision and clarity in international negotiations.
The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs, the Foreign Service Institute, the University of the Philippines Law Center, and the Asian Society of International Law, formally launched the second edition of “Treaties: Guidance on Practices and Procedures” on Feb. 20 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Co-authored by Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and University of the Philippines College of Law Professor Rommel J. Casis, the book provides updated guidance on international legal standards and treaty processes — a resource seen as increasingly vital as the Philippines navigates complex diplomatic and legal terrain.
In the foreword, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro highlighted the book’s practical value, writing that “the book compiles fragmented sources and provides the procedural clarity needed by treaty practitioners to navigate the complex landscape of international relations.”
Since the publication of its first edition by the U.P. Law Center in 2018, the volume has served as a key reference on Philippine treaty law and practice for diplomats, negotiators, lawyers, and government officials. The second edition incorporates essential updates reflecting evolving international norms and state practice.
The launch comes at a time when treaty mechanisms and legal frameworks are under heightened scrutiny, particularly as Manila asserts its rights and deepens strategic partnerships amid shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
Malaya currently serves as ambassador to The Netherlands. He previously held two non-consecutive terms as Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs (2009–2011 and 2017–2019), served as ambassador to Malaysia (2011–2017), and as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs (2019–2021).
Casis is a tenured full-time faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Law and director of the U.P. Law Center’s Institute for International Legal Studies.
Those wishing to attend the launch in Manila may pre-register online. Copies of the book will soon be available at the U.P. Law Center Bookroom.