On the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, the Philippines and 13 other countries reaffirmed the ruling as final and legally binding, rejecting China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The joint statement called for adherence to international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and opposed coercive actions that threaten regional peace and stability.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged continued resistance against China’s maritime claims, while Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said transparency efforts have strengthened public awareness of the West Philippine Sea issue.
In Quezon City, officials and the Atin Ito coalition unveiled the country’s first monument honoring Filipino fisherfolk defending the West Philippine Sea.
Lawmakers also called on Filipinos to remain vigilant in protecting the country’s sovereign rights and upholding the landmark arbitral ruling.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 13, 2026
