A Senate debate on February 3 turned heated as Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta clashed over the legal basis of the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcoleta questioned the validity of the 2016 arbitral ruling, arguing it lacked clear coordinates and defined boundaries.
Pangilinan countered, emphasizing that the United Nations arbitral tribunal’s decision clearly favored the Philippines.
He highlighted that the ruling affirmed the country’s sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone and rejected China’s historic claims.
The 2016 arbitration case, conducted under UNCLOS, remains a key legal foundation for the Philippines’ maritime claims.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 5, 2026
2016 ARBITRAL AWARD DEBATE INTENSIFIES BETWEEN PANGILINAN AND MARCOLETA
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