Businessman Mel Velardo looks at the reproduction of the 1734 Murillo map he now owns.Photo by Yvonne Chua

MANILA – Malacañang said that the submission of a 300-year-old map to the international tribunal will boost the case of the Philippines in questioning China’s territorial claim over the South China Sea.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippines has “a strong case.”

“Let me just emphasize the fact that China never participated, in fact, refused to participate in the arbitration in the [International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea]. However, China’s claim is about historical title. This old map would certainly present the side of the Philippines when it comes to any historical basis,” Lacierda said.