DND Vows to Uphold 2016 Ruling, Bolstering Rights Defense in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) has vowed to continue enforcing the 2016 arbitral award and uphold the Philippines' territorial integrity. As the 10th anniversary of this landmark ruling approaches, the DND views it as an opportunity to strengthen public resolve and deepen partnerships with like-minded nations that uphold international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that the Philippines has become a "convergence hub" for countries that adhere to international law, as more nations rally behind Manila's maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. "Given the importance of our location and the fundamental principles of international law we uphold, countries from all over the world have found common cause with us which we channel into purposive action," Teodoro said in a statement. He emphasized that these partnerships are based on "fundamental freedoms, transparency, and the rule of law," contrasting them with what he described as "sinister and cabalistic United Front Work and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions" by certain entities. Teodoro also highlighted the growing public awareness and ownership of the West Philippine Sea, citing a recent poll that found 86% of Filipinos support working with like-minded countries to defend it. "The Department of National Defense, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to be unstinting in the struggle to enforce this Award and to preserve our territorial integrity," he declared. He added that the DND aims not only to increase public knowledge of the West Philippine Sea but also to ensure that this knowledge strengthens national resolve and resilience. The DND remains focused on building a "strong, capable, responsive and deterrent defense system," with particular attention to capacitating the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, while preserving gains in internal security operations. "Ultimately, we will resist and combat any attempt to deny our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea, for these are not only ours to protect, but also those of future generations of Filipinos," Teodoro asserted. Last month, China imposed sanctions on Teodoro and his immediate family, barring them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau over what Beijing called his "erroneous remarks." Chinese entities and individuals were also prohibited from engaging in business or exchanges with them. Teodoro's statement came as the Philippines and 13 other countries marked the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 arbitral award by reaffirming that it remains "final, legally binding, and definitive between China and the Philippines" on the maritime entitlements and claims addressed by the tribunal. The joint statement was released by the governments of the Philippines, United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based. They also stated that there is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on "historic rights." Furthermore, they reiterated their opposition to destabilizing or unilateral actions, including by force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region. They also opposed the use of coast guard, military, and maritime militia forces "to harass, obstruct, or intimidate lawful operations by other States at sea or in the air." The 2016 award was issued by an arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS. It invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea that exceeded maritime entitlements under international law and affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights and maritime entitlements within its exclusive economic zone. China has refused to recognize the award.