MANILA – A House resolution is urging sectors nationwide to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) through educational and commemorative activities.
House Resolution 1013, filed by Malabon Rep. Antolin Oreta III, proposes initiatives that would deepen public understanding of the landmark decision, promote respect for international law, and strengthen appreciation of the Philippines’ maritime legacy.
The measure encourages participation from government offices, educational institutions, civic groups, youth organizations, and ordinary citizens in honoring the country’s legal victory and reaffirming its sovereignty and commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Oreta, head of the House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea, said the resolution recognizes the arbitral award as one of the Philippines’ most significant achievements in the legal and diplomatic arena.
A House statement issued Thursday noted that the ruling upheld the country’s maritime entitlements under international law and reinforced the international rules governing the use of the oceans.
The resolution was adopted by the House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea on May 25 and has since been forwarded to the House of Representatives for consideration in plenary when Congress resumes its session.
In its text, the resolution emphasizes the Philippines’ continuing commitment to diplomacy, compliance with international law, and the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
Oreta said the 2016 arbitral decision remains a powerful symbol that justice can be achieved through lawful means and that steadfast, principled leadership can safeguard the interests of future generations of Filipinos.
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