Securing economic rights, freedoms in the West Philippine Sea

Filipinos fought hard for independence. The fight of the Filipino is marked by multifaceted challenges and hard-earned victories.

Today, the same freedom is challenged by new threats such as the one we face in the West Philippine Sea.

On Jan. 22, 2013, the Philippines instituted arbitral proceedings against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The arbitral concerned the role of historic rights and the source of maritime settlements in the West Philippine Sea, the status of maritime features, and the lawfulness of certain actions by China that are in violation of the Convention. China adopted a position of non-acceptance and non-participation in the proceedings.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued its landmark ruling in favor of the Philippines. This victory illustrates that international law serves as an equalizer in the international stage. It is a prime demonstration that all states are equal, no matter how big or how small, in the eyes of the law.

The Philippines’ victory has been lauded and recognized by responsible members of the international community including Australia, European Union, Japan, and the United States, among others. As a legally binding ruling, all parties are duty-bound to abide by the award in congruence with the principle of good faith and the fundamental tenets of international law.

However, one country continues to disparage the historic ruling. China continues to blatantly disregard its obligations and ceaselessly behaves aggressively within Philippine territory. 

Its brazen actions such as the performance of dangerous maneuvers against Filipino vessels undermine the territorial integrity of the Philippines, jeopardize the safety and livelihood of Filipinos at sea, and threatens the prosperity and security of the region. 

126 years since our independence, we find ourselves fighting for our rights to utilize and explore our own resources in our own territory. Forged by centuries of colonization and periods of unrest, the Filipinos’ resilient spirit and readiness to fight is indomitable.

Our experience in the West Philippine Sea is a testament to the strength of our people and our