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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'For deterrence in West PH Sea!' Faster AFP modernization urged as PH nears 10th anniversary of landmark arbitration win over China

'For deterrence in West PH Sea!' Faster AFP modernization urged as PH nears 10th anniversary of landmark arbitration win over China

Published Jul 5, 2026 02:32 pm

At A Glance

  • Independent think tank Stratbase Institute urged the government to accelerate the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the country marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
  • The think tank said the Philippines must turn its legal victory into stronger defense capability by fully implementing the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and building a technologically capable military backed by a whole-of-society approach.
  • The call comes ahead of a July 10 forum on the arbitral award anniversary, where defense officials, diplomats, maritime experts, and civil society leaders will discuss credible deterrence, national resilience, and the country's West Philippine Sea strategy.
A Philippine Navy (PN) AW109 naval helicopter with tail number NH434 maneuvers to lay down a sling and net of external load during a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) operation involving the PN missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) and the United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757) in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on May 30, 2026. (Photo: PN)
A Philippine Navy (PN) AW109 naval helicopter with tail number NH434 maneuvers to lay down a sling and net of external load during a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) operation involving the PN missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) and the United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757) in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on May 30, 2026. (Photo: PN)
As the country approaches the 10th anniversary of its landmark arbitration victory against China, an independent think tank called on the national government to prioritize the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to better counter evolving threats in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement Sunday, July 5, Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit said that after the 2016 arbitral award, which struck down China's expansive claims in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights under international law, the next challenge for the Philippines is to strengthen its defense posture.
“The arbitral award gave the Philippines legal standing. The next decade must deliver strategic strength,” he said.
The ruling was issued on July 12, 2016 by an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), invalidating China's so-called nine-dash line claim over most of the South China Sea.
Beijing, however, has refused to recognize the decision and has continued its activities in disputed waters, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
Manhit said the government should speed up efforts to transform the AFP into a technologically capable force that can operate across land, sea, air, cyber, and information domains through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
He also stressed that protecting the country's interests requires participation beyond the military.
“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,” Manhit noted.
Manhit cited a Pulse Asia survey it commissioned in 2025 which showed that Filipinos considered support for the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as the most important measure in defending the country's rights in Philippine waters.
Respondents also backed stronger alliances, joint patrols, military exercises, and security cooperation with like-minded countries.
A separate survey conducted in May this year also found that 86 percent of Filipinos support the government's efforts to defend WPS alongside like-minded nations in line with the arbitral ruling.
Manhit said the findings reflect growing public recognition that national defense requires sustained capability building.
“The survey results show that Filipinos understand that defending the West Philippine Sea requires more than legal arguments and diplomatic statements. It requires credible deterrence, stronger partnerships, and national resilience,” he said.
Manhit made the appeal ahead of a forum on July 10 that will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award.
The conference, titled “A Decade of the Arbitral Award: Credible Deterrence in Defense of the West Philippine Sea,” will gather defense and security officials, diplomats, maritime experts, and civil society leaders.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. will lead the event.
The July 10 forum is expected to assess the gains achieved since the arbitral ruling and identify the challenges that remain. Discussions will also focus on strengthening deterrence, improving national preparedness, and building public resilience.
At least 10 ambassadors from countries that support a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific are expected to speak during the conference. Representatives from government, academia, business groups, youth organizations, and civil society will also participate, including Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Stratbase Institute West Philippine Sea China
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