Philippines, 13 other nations: Arbitral ruling final, legally binding

MANILA, Philippines — On the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award yesterday, the Philippines, along with 13 other countries, reaffirmed the historic ruling, describing it as “final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines.”

In a joint statement, the governments of Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, United Kingdom and the United States backed the Philippines over the landmark unanimous decision on the South China Sea constituted under Annex 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We reaffirm the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on ‘historic rights,’” the statement read.

The countries underscored the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight as well as other internationally lawful uses of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS.

“We reiterate our strong opposition to any destabilizing or unilateral actions including by force or coercion that threaten peace and stability in the region,” they said.

“We reaffirm our strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations by other States at sea or in the air, and in so doing endanger the safety of personnel and fishermen and seriously degrade regional peace and security,” the countries added.

They urged the parties to abide by the 2016 Award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms in accordance with international law.

“We remain steadfast in our support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and reiterate our commitment to promoting our shared vision with ASEAN of the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity driven by vibrant lawful commerce,” the statement read.

Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said China is losing the narrative, hence its continuous barrage of disinformation on social media.

“Since we started the transparency initiative under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we saw how the consciousness of the Filipino has been raised. This is the reason why they (Chinese government) are becoming louder,” he noted yesterday.

Gibo: We have to resist China

According to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the Philippines must resist China, which continues to insist upon its “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea.

“We have to resist China and the deterrence of China will take several other measures that we must also do. The basis of support here was lost, and that basis of support that was lost, we must solidify,” he told reporters yesterday during the National Peace Walk for WPS at the Quirino Grandstand in celebration of the Arbitral Award.

“This walk that we are doing serves as a morale booster for our fisherfolk so they can sail again, not only in the Scarborough Shoal but in other places where the Philippines has a right,” he added.

Monument unveiled

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government and the Atin Ito coalition yesterday unveiled the country’s first public monument dedicated to Filipino fisherfolk who continue to defend the nation’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Called the West Philippine Sea Fisherfolk Monument, the sculpture by artist Gary Santiago Rojas depicts a Filipino fisher standing on a fishing boat while proudly raising a paddle.

Akbayan said the monument symbolizes the “resilience, dignity, patriotism, and unwavering resolve of ordinary Filipinos who have become the country’s frontliners in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led yesterday’s unveiling ceremony, together with Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula, former presidential adviser on political affairs Ronald Llamas, Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio dela Torre and fisherfolk leaders from Zambales and Bataan.

“Today, we join the entire nation in commemorating the 10th anniversary of our historic arbitral victory. We thank the Quezon City government, especially Mayor Joy Belmonte, for helping us make this meaningful initiative possible,” Dela Torre said.

Ismula, for her part, said: “This monument affirms what we already know in our struggle for sovereignty: remembering is our greatest weapon against deception and historical distortion. This is great because everyday, people who come here will be able to see the bravery and sacrifice of our fisherfolk in the WPS.”

Vigilance needed

For House senior deputy minority leader and ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, Filipinos should be vigilant in asserting and defending the country’s claims in the WPS.

“We stood before the Arbitral Tribunal to assert the sovereign rights of the Philippines and protect what rightfully belongs to our people. But one thing is clear: that commitment should not end with the ruling,” she said.

Pinoy Workers party-list Rep. Karl Fernandez Legazpi said the ruling remains “as relevant as ever,” and must be upheld for the welfare of the fisherfolk who make a living in perilous waters.— Delon Porcalla