Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez rallied his fellow Filipinos to stand by the country's historic arbitral case victory against China on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Romualdez, the House Speaker of the previous 19th Congress, made the call as the country marked on Saturday, July 12 the ninth anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

“The Arbitral Award reaffirms what we’ve always known in our hearts — the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people. Not because we are the strongest, but because it is rightfully ours under international law,” Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP) and President of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said.

“This was a victory of principle over power, of law over intimidation. And it reminds us of what we can achieve when we stand as one people, bound by patriotism and a deep love for country,” he added.

Issued on July 12, 2016, by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, the ruling invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea, where the WPS is located.

It effectively upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has since been cited around the world as a milestone in the defense of a rules-based international order.

“The West Philippine Sea is ours. And as long as we stand as one — brave, just, and proudly Filipino — we will always stand on the side of what is right,” Romualdez said.

China, a signatory of UNCLOS, has never recognized the PCA ruling.

Romualdez emphasized that the arbitral award was more than just a diplomatic document. It is a living testament to Filipino resilience and rightful ownership of our seas, he says.

“Nine years on, the ruling remains final and binding. It is now a cornerstone of our foreign policy, a source of strength for our people, and a moral compass for nations that seek justice through peaceful means,” he said.

He praised President Marcos and key agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of National Defense (DND) for steadfastly upholding the award and building alliances with countries that share the Philippines’ respect for international law.

The Leyte solon also warned against disinformation campaigns that seek to downplay or distort the ruling, stressing that Filipinos must remain vigilant.

“This is not just about maritime boundaries. It’s about our dignity, our future, and our duty to the next generation. The rule of law is our shield, but unity is our sword,” he said.