The Duterte administration’s push for bilateral talks with China -- after the favorable arbitration tribunal ruling to the Philippines -- will be beneficial for the country in “bringing back” its lost Chinese market in terms of trade, investments and tourism.

The country would likely “leverage” on this ruling, pursuing bilateral talks with China “as equals” to improve trade, investment and tourism relations between the two economies, said George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).