Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday, July 6, dismissed a reported proposal from the Chinese government to establish a "common fishing area" in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), labeling the offer a deceptive public relations (PR) stunt.

Teodoro argued that the proposal made by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan lacks legal merit because Filipino rights to the area are already affirmed by the 2016 arbitral tribunal award.

“We were not born yesterday. That is a right under the arbitral award. So why would he submit a proposal? That is already in the arbitral award,” the defense chief stressed.

The 2016 ruling remains a cornerstone of the country’s maritime policy, invalidating China’s expansive nine-dash line claim and recognizing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Teodoro questioned the underlying motive of Beijing in presenting a proposal for an area where the Philippines already holds clear sovereign rights.

“What do they want to happen now? You will accept a proposal saying that because of their proposal, a fishing ground was established? It is already a common fishing ground within our EEZ, so who are they fooling?” he asked.

He further criticized the timing of the announcement and the public manner in which it was released, linking the maneuver to a broader pattern of behavior by China in various international disputes.

“Why only now? And why did they do it in public? That is PR work,” Teodoro said.

“Their language is not a way to end a problem. It is a method to prolong the issue so you get tired. If they say they can wait thousands of years, we can too, and we should be moving forward,” he added.

The government will mark the 10th anniversary of the arbitral victory on July 12.

Relatedly, the DND and the Philippine Army (PA) held simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies across the country on Monday to honor the legal milestone.

At Camp Aguinaldo, the DND emphasized that the ruling remains a binding decision under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, highlighted its commitment to the Land Defense Concept as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.

Teodoro noted that the country’s legal victory serves as a foundation for national unity, citing recent data showing 86 percent of Filipinos support a firm stance in the WPS.

“For the 10th year anniversary of the arbitral award, we need intensive cooperation. First, not to be swayed, that is called resilience. Second, we have seen that it is not just paper. It sparked a very broad convergence,” he said.

He also warned against external influence and urged Filipinos to remain steadfast in asserting national interests.

"Now, there are those trying to downplay it or deceive our stance on our rights. Filipinos must be 100 percent unwavering. We should not be swayed by the deceptive activities of those who want to destroy our unity,” he added.

Teodoro insisted that the Philippines should prioritize its own voice over foreign narratives.

“This is ours. And if we are to listen to voices from abroad, whether they support us or not, we should not listen to them,” he said. “The arbitral award is the basis of the law, international law, our rights, and the future of the Philippines.”