The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines’ maritime rights and entitlements as the country marked the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
The NTF-WPS said the ruling affirmed a fundamental principle of international law: that maritime rights and entitlements are determined by law, not by power, pressure or coercion.
Rendered under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Award is final and legally binding and remains an enduring affirmation of the rule of law in the maritime domain, the task force said.
A decade after the decision was handed down, the NTF-WPS said the Award continues to be recognized and cited in international jurisprudence, reinforcing the rule of law as the foundation for the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.
The ruling also affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights and lawful maritime entitlements under international law.
As the country commemorated the milestone, the task force paid tribute to uniformed personnel, public servants, fisherfolk, coastal communities and other Filipinos who contribute to protecting the country’s maritime interests.
It said their service, sacrifice and resilience demonstrate that the significance of the Award extends beyond legal principles and is reflected in the daily efforts of those who safeguard and depend on the country’s seas.
Guided by UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the NTF-WPS pledged to further strengthen whole-of-government coordination, unified responses and public awareness on issues concerning the West Philippine Sea.
The task force also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a unified national effort to uphold the rule of law and protect the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and lawful maritime entitlements.