“But nearly a decade later, the award remains under threat—not just from Beijing, but from its proxies within”
As we marked the ninth anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, the moment is more than just a diplomatic milestone—it is a reaffirmation of the Filipino people’s right to live with dignity, security, and sovereignty in our own seas.
On July 12, 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China’s expansive nine-dash line claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.
The ruling affirmed our exclusive sovereign rights over our Exclusive Economic Zone, securing vital fishing grounds, energy reserves, and strategic sea lanes. But nearly a decade later, the award remains under threat—not just from Beijing, but from its proxies within.
In the previous administration, our position was weakened by a foreign policy approach that prioritized friendly optics over firm assertion. Maritime incursions were downplayed, and acts of aggression were met with silence. This passivity emboldened hostile actions and left our fishermen and frontliners exposed to harassment, destroyed our marine resources, and allowed a de-facto blockade of our maritime wealth.
But the Filipino people know what must be done.
According to a Pulse Asia survey (June 26–30, 2025), seven in ten Filipinos want the government to continue asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law and the Arbitral Award.
The people understand what some leaders have failed to grasp: the West Philippine Sea is ours and we must defend it.
It sustains nearly 300,000 Filipino fishermen and accounts for around 11 percent of marine-captured fisheries.
It holds an estimated 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 5.4 billion barrels of oil—resources that could power the nation for decades.
It is also a digital and trade artery, hosting undersea cables vital to our economy. Instability in this region jeopardizes our food, energy, and digital security.
That is why the reaffirmation of support from our allies during the recent Stratbase Institute forum is not just encouraging—it is strategic to our national security.
Australian Ambassador HK Yu highlighted increased maritime cooperation, noting: “Our commitment goes further than physical assets – it also includes operational training, support and an integration package.”
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman emphasized the geopolitical stakes: “We are working with our partners to draw attention to the importance of stability in the West Philippine Sea and to reject all forms of coercion.”
Japan’s Ambassador Endo Kazuya reaffirmed support for military modernization: “This includes defense equipment transfers and capacity-building support for the Philippine Coast Guard.”
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro stressed the Philippines’ strategic role: “Our maritime cooperation interlinks with energy, supply chains, and conservation of marine resources.”
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said: “The Philippines can continue to count on Germany in asserting its rights under international law.”
Vietnam’s Ambassador Lai Thai Binh offered regional solidarity: “Our coordinated patrols and joint exercises help combat transnational crimes and symbolize solidarity.”
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson declared: “The Philippines, a proud maritime nation, has courageously upheld its lawful rights. The United States stands firmly with you.”
This international solidarity is matched by domestic resolve.
Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said: “The Award is a cornerstone of Philippine maritime policy… The Philippines will not waver.”
Col. Francel Margareth Taborlupa of the AFP stressed: “These alliances don’t dilute our sovereignty. They enable it.”
Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG affirmed: “Despite limited resources, our dedication to defending what is rightfully ours remains strong.”
Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad of the Philippine Navy stated: “We are prepared to defend all the way up to the EEZ and beyond.”
As Maj. Gen. Fabian Pedregosa of the Philippine Air Force warned, delayed defense investments come at a high cost, as global conflicts have shown.
“The West Philippine Sea is not an abstract geopolitical flashpoint. It is the pulse of our food supply, the backbone of our energy future, and the gateway to global commerce and connectivity,” said Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, President of the Stratbase Institute. “Defending it is not just about asserting rights—it is about protecting lives and ensuring progress.”
To defend the West Philippine Sea, we must stand firm against those who undermine our victory with deception. It is to expose the loud and silent defenders of Beijing’s aggression.
It is to reject those who would trade our national interests for Beijing’s favor, and who cloak their complicity in the guise of pragmatism and empty promises.
Let us not be swayed by rhetoric meant to divide. Let us rise with clarity and courage, alongside like-minded nations upholding international law.
We have allies who stand with us. We have the law on our side. Most importantly, we have the will of the people.
We must defend our seas. We must defend our dignity. We must defend the Philippines.
