MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On the 9th anniversary of the landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated its steadfast commitment to uphold the decision and continue its efforts to protect the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, the AFP reaffirmed its resolve to “protect what is rightfully ours” and pledged to ensure the Philippines’ territorial integrity through “deliberate and sustained action.”
“As the protector of the nation’s territorial integrity, the AFP remains steadfast in its duty to uphold this ruling,” the AFP said. “This historic decision upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.”
The AFP emphasized its ongoing efforts, including regular maritime and aerial patrols, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and supporting a whole-of-nation approach to ensure the security and welfare of Filipino communities, particularly fisherfolk.
“Every operation we conduct in the West Philippine Sea reaffirms our commitment to protect what is rightfully ours. With professionalism, vigilance, and resolve, we will continue to defend our territory, uphold our sovereign rights, and promote peace — always anchored on international law and guided by the interests of the Filipino people,” the AFP added.
The AFP also called for unity among Filipinos, urging them to defend the country’s maritime zones “today and in protection of the future.” The statement emphasized that the West Philippine Sea is not just a maritime zone but a “lifeline, a legacy, and a symbol of our collective pride and resilience.”
“The AFP stands ready and resolute in its mission to defend our seas, sovereignty, and the strength of our people, nation, and generations yet to come,” it declared.
The Department of National Defense (DND) also issued a statement on the same day, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law, particularly for archipelagic nations like the Philippines. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reminded the public that respect for international law is “not just a principle. It is a lifeline.”
“The ruling reflects what is right and just—not just for us, but for all coastal states whose rights must be respected under international law,” Teodoro said. “No amount of pressure, reinterpretation, or power plays can erase that truth.”
The PCA ruling, handed down on July 12, 2016, effectively invalidated China’s expansive claims over much of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ EEZ. The tribunal also ruled that China had no legal basis for claiming historic rights over the region’s resources within the “nine-dash line.”
Despite the ruling, China has repeatedly rejected the decision, maintaining that it does not recognize the PCA’s jurisdiction or legitimacy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbing recently criticized the ruling, claiming that the tribunal had violated the principle of state consent and overstepped its authority.
As the anniversary of the PCA ruling serves as a reminder of the ongoing territorial dispute, the Philippines continues to press China to comply with the decision, emphasizing that adherence to international law is crucial for regional stability.
Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro echoed this sentiment during a forum marking the anniversary, stressing that the ruling “sets reason and right in the South China Sea” and called on all nations to respect the decisions of international law.
“Nine years hence, its legitimacy continues to be tested, challenged, and subverted, putting not only the Philippines’ maritime interests in peril but also the regional stability and prosperity we are all working so hard to achieve,” Lazaro said.
The dispute over the South China Sea remains a critical issue for the Philippines and its neighbors, as tensions between the two countries persist. The Philippine government has called for continued vigilance and a unified stance on defending the country’s territorial rights and ensuring the safety of its maritime territories.
