Senators reaffirm arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Senators yesterday renewed calls to uphold the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, saying the ruling remains the country’s strongest legal basis for asserting its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s continuing maritime claims.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the ruling, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on July 12, 2016, remains a decisive rejection of China’s nine-dash line.

“Ten years ago, the Philippines showed the world what it means to stand up to a giant and win. The 2016 Hague Ruling still stands, affirming that China’s nine-dash line has absolutely no basis in international law,” Hontiveros said.

She said the ruling remains relevant as China continues to assert claims over Philippine territory, citing recent reports that some Chinese academics claimed Batanes belongs to China.

“This is a grave insult to every Ivatan and every Filipino,” Hontiveros noted, adding that the arbitral ruling serves as a shield against disinformation about the WPS.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also marked the anniversary by renewing support for Filipino communities in the Kalayaan Island Group, saying the legal victory should translate into stronger government support for residents and fisherfolk in the area.

Pangilinan recalled his visit to Pag-asa Island in May, where he helped establish salt beds with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other partners to provide an additional livelihood for residents.

Sen. Bam Aquino also reaffirmed the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, describing the arbitral ruling as a historic victory achieved through diplomacy and adherence to international law during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.

West Philippine Sea education bill

Sen. Erwin Tulfo renewed his call for the passage of a measure requiring the teaching of the WPS issue in schools after Chinese scholars claimed that Batanes is part of China’s territory.

“It is ironic that we are facing this kind of claim on the very anniversary of the Philippines’ victory in the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,” he said.

Tulfo said the incident underscores the need to pass Senate Bill 1625, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Education Act, which seeks to integrate lessons on Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights into the basic education curriculum.

To mark yesterday’s occasion, Philippine Coast Guard ships in several parts of the country held a simultaneous blowing of horns, with the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua that was docked in Manila leading the activity, ABS-CBN News reported.

The National Maritime Council hoped that the 2016 Arbitral Award continues to inspire every Filipino to “become a steward of our shared maritime heritage.” — Evelyn Macairan, Helen Flores