Members of the House "Young Guns" bloc slammed the persistent disinformation regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as Filipinos celebrated the ninth anniversary of the country’s arbitral case win over China's expansive maritime claims.

Echoing the Marcos administration’s stance on foreign policy and security on the WPS Sunday, July 13 were La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun, and Cagayan de Oro 1st district Rep. Lordan Suan.

It was on July 12, 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitral case. The PCA ruling invalidated China's nine-dash line claim over the entire South China Sea, where the WPS is located.

"The ruling is our clear proof that the [WPS] belongs to us. We stand with President Marcos to protect it, but we must stop lies that mislead our people. This is about our fishermen and their families. We’re fighting for them by spreading the truth, not confusion," Ortega said.

He further emphasized, “These laws are our firm stand to safeguard our seas, ensuring every Filipino’s right to our waters is protected. They’re a promise to our fisherfolk and coastal communities that their livelihoods and our nation’s future are secure under the rule of law.”

The statement follows China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian’s claim that the PCA award is a “piece of waste paper” that is “illegal, null and void, and non-binding".

This statement is a deliberate attempt to undermine international law and the Philippines’ legitimate rights, further highlighting the need to counter such falsehoods with facts and unity, the Young Guns said.

"Lies about our seas divide us. We’re working to share honest information so Filipinos stand united. Disinformation weakens our fight and sows confusion among our people," Adiong said.

"We’ll keep pushing facts to strengthen our nation’s resolve, ensuring every Filipino understands the truth about our rights in the [WPS] and stands proudly with us to defend our sovereignty," he said.

Khonghun, for his part, said, “The Filipino people are behind us! In fact, 73 percent of Filipinos said they support the government’s defense of the Philippines’ rights in the [WPS] per the 2016 ruling,” citing the recently conducted Pulse Asia Survey covering the dates June 26 to 30, 2025.

“As we honor the [PCA] Ruling, we vow to fight disinformation and protect our sovereignty. The Young Guns will ensure the truth about the WPS prevails,” Suan said.

Under the leadership of then-House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, the 19th Congress passed two key laws: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064) and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065).

These laws define and protect the Philippines’ maritime domain and rights.