Dhammaṭṭhitatā and Dhammaniyāmatā versus "Ontology" & "Phenomenology"

In AN 3.136 and SN 12.20, it is said the Three Characteristics and that suffering arises via Dependent Origination are "*sā dhātu, dhammaṭṭhitatā dhammaniyāmatā*", namely: > *law of nature, regularity of natural principles, invariance of natural principles* > > *this property stands—this steadfastness of the Dhamma, this orderliness of the Dhamma* Yet Westerners appear of often debate about whether Buddhism is "Ontology" or "Phenomenology". It appears some Westerners, such as Bhikkhu Bodhi, cannot even make up their mind, as shown with a quote (below) from 1993 arguing in favour of Ontology and then a quote (below) from the year 2000 (pages 515 & 527 of SN) in favour of Phenomenology. My questions are: 1. What are the reasons why students, such as Bhikkhu Bodhi, should compare Buddhism to "Ontology" & "Phenomenology"? 2. Why are the reasons why students should not attempt to clearly understand the Buddha's teaching about "sā dhātu, dhammaṭṭhitatā and dhammaniyāmatā"? __________________________________