SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026 –  Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig warmly welcomed Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore on 24 July 2026.

During the meeting, Ambassador Lee expressed her gratitude for the Philippine’s support for her candidature for the election as Judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027–2036. Ambassador Macaraig and Ambassador Lee exchanged views on matters of bilateral and regional interest, the significance of having an ASEAN member becoming a judge in the ICJ, particularly on issues on international maritime law. Both underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and practical cooperation as means to resolve disputes among countries.  

Ambassador Macaraig reiterated the Philippines’ full support for Ambassador Lee’s candidature and the continued close engagement between Philippine and Singaporean officials on regional and international issues. 

The last ICJ judge elected from South East Asia was Judge Cesar Fernando Cabrera Bengzon of the Philippines, who served from 1966-1976. 

Ambassador Macaraig toured Ambassador Lee around the new chancery, showcasing the Embassy’s newly redeveloped spaces, including the Sentro Rizal Library, which was recently inaugurated by the First Lady of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos on 16 July 2026. He underscored its role as a cultural hub that promotes Filipino heritage and the arts in Singapore. He also presented Ambassador Lee with a copy of the Embassy’s newly launched publication, Flavors of Diplomacy: The Philippine Food Guide in the Lion City, underscoring the power of food in fostering cultural understanding and building meaningful connections among communities.

Ambassador Lee currently serves as Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law and has been nominated by Singapore for election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027–2036, which will take place in the later months of this year. /END