LEYTE 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday urged Filipinos to remain united in defending the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, as the Philippines marked the ninth anniversary of its legal victory over China’s maritime claims.
Romualdez, who served as House Speaker in the 19th Congress, described the 2016 Arbitral Award as a “historic affirmation” of the country’s maritime rights under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people — not because of strength, but because of law. It is rightfully ours,” said Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa).
Issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on July 12, 2016, the ruling invalidated China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim and upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.
Romualdez warned against attempts to downplay or distort the ruling, emphasizing that it remains final and binding. He voiced support for the Marcos administration’s stance on the issue and ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with nations that promote a rules-based international order.
“This isn’t just about territory,” Romualdez said. “It’s about our dignity, our future, and our duty to the next generation.”