Philippines Celebrates West Philippine Sea Ruling Anniversary

Eduardo Jose Aliño, chair and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in the Philippines, affirmed the 2016 arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea as a source of strength for defending the nation’s maritime interests. Aliño made the statement during a commemorative event in Subic Bay on July 12, marking the 10th anniversary of the ruling. Twenty-eight vessels participated in the tribute, including ships from the Philippine and United States Navies, sounding horns and performing a water salute.

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim and supported the Philippines’ rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Despite China’s rejection of the decision, the ruling remains a key legal basis for the Philippines’ position.

The anniversary prompted renewed diplomatic efforts and increased patrols, though some fishermen questioned why stronger action wasn’t taken sooner to address their difficulties. The government’s continued commitment to defending its rights in the West Philippine Sea remains central to the issue.