Senators on Sunday, July 12 expressed confidence that the July 12, 2016 ruling of an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s so-called “nine-dash line” and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights to explore, explore and manage resources within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) still stands strong.

Members of Akbayan Partylist celebrate “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” and commemorate the anniversary of the Philippines’ 2016 Arbitral Tribunal victory by waving flags during a program in Quezon City on July 11, 2025. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands issued on July 12, 2016 an arbitral ruling which declared that China’s nine-dash line claims, including those within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), have no legal basis under international law. (Photo: Santi San Juan / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Ten (10) years ago today, the Philippines showed the world what it means to stand up to a giant, and win. The 2016 Hague Ruling still stands, affirming that China’s nine-dash line has absolutely no basis in international law,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a statement.

“Mahalaga na ipagdiwang ang araw na ito dahil hindi tumitigil ang Tsina sa pang-aangkin ng hindi kanya (It’s important to celebrate this day because China does not stop claiming what does not belong to it),” Hontiveros stressed.

She cited the recent attempt of Chinese academics to claim that Batanes belongs to China.

“This is a grave insult to every Ivatan, to every Filipino, and further proof of how deeply the Chinese government’s propaganda has taken root in its own people,” she stressed.

She said China’s disinformation campaigns are exactly why the Arbitral Award matters, not only as a landmark ruling etched in the annals of history, “but as a shield against those who systematically spread lies.”

“Let us never forget this victory. Huwag nating kalimutan na lumaban tayo sa isang dambuhala nang mapayapa at may dignidad. Ipagmalaki natin sa buong mundo na ang Pilipinas ay isang bansa na tumindig para sa tama at sa totoo (Let us not forget that we fought a giant peacefully and with dignity. Let us show the world with pride that the Philippines is a nation that stood up for what is right and true),” Hontiveros said.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan echoed Hontiveros’ point, saying that “hope is not blind to the truth. And freedom is not simply given.”

“On this 10th anniversary of our victory at the arbitral tribunal, we salute…every resident of Pag-asa and the Kalayaan Island Group—our fellow Filipinos who quietly defend the Republic through the simple yet extraordinary decision to live on the island,” Pangilinan said.

“Our challenge to all Filipinos: Let us demonstrate our love for the country through action. Visit. Support. Invest. Organize. Vote. Teach. Defend,” he said.

For Pangilinan, the Philippines’ victory at The Hague is only just a start.

“Let us celebrate this legal victory: by helping create livelihoods, sharing the story of

‘Pag-asa’ and ‘Kalayaan’, and ensuring that not a single Filipino fisherman ever feels alone at sea again,” he said.

“Our victory in The Hague is just the beginning. True victory will come when our fellow Filipinos can live, fish, and dream freely and without fear in the West Philippine Sea; when hope and freedom are no longer merely the names of islands, but a reality lived out by every Filipino,” the lawmaker stressed.

But amid the ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV said the country’s position remains clear: “the West Philippine Sea is ours, and we will continue to fight for our sovereignty, our rights, and our national interest.”

“Beyond the issue of territory, this is a matter concerning the livelihoods of our fisherfolk, the security of our seas, and the future of our nation,” Aquino said.

“In every issue regarding the West Philippine Sea, the Filipino must come first. Truth, the rule of law, and the national interest of the Philippines will prevail,” he reiterated.