July 12 declared WPS ‘Victory Day’ in Palawan
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—The provincial board of Palawan approved in its regular session on Tuesday an ordinance declaring July 12 of every year as West Philippine Sea (WPS) “Victory Day.”
The declaration is in celebration of the July 12, 2016, ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on a case filed by the Philippines against China regarding its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea that fall within the country’s 370-kilometer (200-nautical mile) exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
China, however, has not recognized the decision by the international tribunal based in The Hague, insisting on its sweeping claim over the South China Sea which overlaps with territories claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
The Palawan ordinance was authored by Liga ng mga Barangay president and Board Member Ferdinand Zaballa and approved on its first and final reading.
Zaballa stated that the arbitral ruling was a “resounding affirmation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and its dispute settlement mechanism.”
“It definitely settled the status of historic rights and maritime entitlements in the region, rejecting claims that exceeded the limits set by Unclos. [More] importantly, it is now part of international law,” he said in a privilege speech during the session.
He said the victory had paved the way for “new paths” that reflect the Philippines’ rich maritime heritage, which Filipinos should firmly hold on to and believe in the country’s indisputable rights over its maritime domains.
“The ruling serves as a beacon guiding all nations toward a rules-based international order,” he said.
Zaballa said he was thankful to the international community and the growing number of nations that extended support for the tribunal’s ruling.
Members of Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya hold a protest rally and noise barrage against China’s aggressive action in West Philippine Sea, held in front of Andres Bonifacio monument in Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita, Manila, July 11, 2024.
INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
Support from other nations
He further stated that with the victory, Filipinos must stand firm in their resolve to secure the country’s claims and interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Zaballa said the victory should serve as inspiration to Filipinos, as it also serves as “proof of our dedication to a peaceful resolution of disputes or diplomatic solutions instead of violence or excessive use of force.”
He said that with the country opting to file a case in the international tribunal, the Philippines had shown its respect for human rights and principles of respect for the sovereignty of every state. He hopes that this will serve as a reminder to all nations that respect for international laws is a foundation of peace and unity.
“As we commemorate this victory, may it serve as inspiration to every Filipino that however small a nation that we are, we can stand and emerge victorious on legal fronts,” Zaballa said.
“May this also serve as a lesson to us that we need to conserve and protect our seas and natural resources not only for our own good but also for future generations,” he added.
Board Member Rafael Ortega Jr. also filed a resolution requesting Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez to file a bill in the House of Representatives declaring every 12th day of June as “WPS Day” and another resolution requesting President Marcos to issue an executive order for the same declaration, making it a nationwide event.
“After all, this victory is not for Palawan alone but for the entire Philippines,” Ortega said.
