Calls renewed to declare July 12 ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day’

MANILA, Philippines — The landmark ruling in 2016 by an international court that upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and invalidated China’s massive claims in the South China Sea should be commemorated every year as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said yesterday.

Hontiveros was renewing her call, which she first made last year through her Senate Resolution 674.

The country marked the eighth anniversary of the ruling yesterday. It was issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, based on the case filed filed by the Aquino administration in 2013 contesting China’s nine-dash-line claim.

In her resolution, Hontiveros said “it is essential that the spirit of the country’s landmark legal victory in The Hague be kept alive in the hearts of our people through a special day of remembrance.”

A victory day would show that the country is united in its fight against China’s maritime aggression, Hontiveros said.

“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS. This is also an opportune time to show our biggest aggressor, China, that the Philippines will stand as one in the fight for our sovereignty,” Hontiveros said.

The senator said the arbitral grant “showed the world that a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.”

“Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the Ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.

The Philippines should show the world that it can challenge China’s aggression at sea with “politics and diplomacy,” not with “water cannons or military grade lasers.”

“Celebrating WPS Victory Day is another way to exhibit the Filipino people’s ability to fight and push back with pride and dignity, not with harassment and disrespect,” Hontiveros said.

Senators Grace Poe and Loren Legarda also issued statements commemorating the 2016 arbitral win.

“The commemoration of