The Department of National Defense (DND) commended the Cebu City Council for its unanimous approval of a resolution declaring July 12 of every year as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day,” stating that the 2016 Arbitral Award is a victory the country must protect and enforce.
In a statement released on Monday, June 29, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. praised the council's move, emphasizing that the historic decision remains a significant legal win for the Philippines that should be embraced and defended.
DND Secretary's Statement
“We laud the Cebu City Council’s unanimous approval of a resolution declaring July 12 of every year as ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day.’ The 2016 Arbitral Award was indeed a victory which our country should embrace and fight to enforce,” Teodoro said.
He concluded his statement with the message, “Mabuhay po kayo. Hindi Tayo Magpapasisiil.”
Resolution Details
The resolution, authored by Cebu City Councilor Pablo Labra II, aims to commemorate July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” in recognition of the Philippines' historic victory in the arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It also reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and urges Congress to make the annual celebration official nationwide.
