Declare July 12 Nat'l West Philippine Sea Victory Day, Atin Ito urges

Civil society coalition Atin Ito renewed its call on the government to declare July 12 National West Philippine Sea Victory as it kicked off the 10th year commemoration of the landmark ruling that upholds the Philippines’ sovereignty in the contested West Philippine Sea.

“July 12 is more than a date in our history, it is a reminder that truth, international law, and the courage of the Filipino people prevailed,” said Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David.

“Declaring it as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day will help preserve this victory in our national memory, strengthen public awareness and education, and ensure that future generations are equipped to reject disinformation and defend what is rightfully ours,” she added.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's
claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has not recognized the decision.

Cebu City earlier approved a resolution declaring July 12 of every year of “West Philippine Sea Victory
Day.” This was lauded by the Department of National Defense, noting that “the 2016 Arbitral
Award was indeed a victory which our country should embrace and fight to enforce.”

In 2019, a bill was filed at the House of Representatives to mark July 12 as a day to commemorate the landmark ruling. A similar bill was filed again in the lower chamber in 2023.

Meanwhile, hundreds of fisherfolk from Zambales joined Atin Ito in forming the color of the Philippine
flag and the phrase, “WPS, ATIN ITO!” using nearly 80 fishing boats.

“Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang ika-sampung anibersaryo ng ating makasaysayang tagumpay, muli nating pinagtitibay ang ating paninindigan para sa mahal nating West Philippine Sea. Ang tagumpay sa arbitral ruling ay mahalaga, ngunit hindi pa tapos ang laban. Hanggang patuloy ang panghihimasok at agresyon ng Tsina sa ating karagatan, patuloy din tayong maninindigan at lalaban para sa ating karapatan,” said Leonardo “Ka Nards” Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association.

(As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our historic win, we strengthen our championing of our beloved West Philippine Sea. The arbitral ruling is important, but the fight is not yet over. While China continues its aggression in our sea, we will continue to stand up for our rights.)

Think tank Stratbase Institute, meanwhile, called on the government to fast-track the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to address the threats in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Arbitral Award gave the Philippines legal standing; the next decade must deliver strategic strength,” said Stratbase president Dindo Manhit.

“National security today requires a whole-of-society effort involving government, civil society, academia, media, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and international partners working together to strengthen resilience and uphold the rules-based international order,” he added. — BM, GMA News