The Department of National Defense (DND) has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and territorial integrity of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, as the nation marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Defense Secretary Highlights Importance of Arbitral Award
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that the landmark ruling recognized the country's rights under the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), according to a statement released on July 12, 2026. He noted that Filipino awareness and support for defending the West Philippine Sea are growing.
Teodoro said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to strengthen the country's defense capabilities while safeguarding security gains.
Commitment to International Law
The Philippines remains dedicated to upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and will not allow its rights in the West Philippine Sea to be eroded, Teodoro added.
"Ultimately, we will resist and combat any attempts 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 declared.
