When I was still in uniform, most of us believed that defending our country meant long patrols, difficult assignments, and, if necessary, facing danger on the battlefield. Few of us imagined that one of the Philippines’ most significant victories would come not through military force, but through international law.

That is what happened ten years ago.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a landmark ruling that affirmed many of the Philippines’ maritime rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The decision became one of the country’s most important legal achievements, demonstrating that even a developing nation could seek justice through peaceful and lawful means.

For many Filipinos, including those of us who spent our lives in military service, it was a moment of quiet pride. It reminded us that defending the nation does not always require force. Sometimes, it requires patience, principle, and the courage to stand by what is right.

I still remember hearing the news of the ruling. By then, I had already retired from active service. Watching the reports from home, I felt the same sense of pride I experienced the day I first wore the Philippine Army uniform.

The tribunal concluded that China’s so-called “nine-dash line” had no legal basis under international law and clarified the maritime rights of the Philippines under UNCLOS.

For many people, international law can seem distant or difficult to understand. But at its core, the ruling provided something very important: legal clarity. It affirmed that the rights we have long asserted over parts of the West Philippine Sea are supported by international law.

That was, and continues to be, an important milestone.

While the ruling represented a significant legal victory, it did not immediately resolve the situation at sea.

China rejected the tribunal’s decision and has continued to maintain its own position regarding the disputed waters. As a result, many of the challenges in the West Philippine Sea remain today. Filipino fishermen still encounter difficulties in traditional fishing grounds, and maritime incidents continue to occur.

As someone who spent a lifetime in uniform, I find this disappointing, although not entirely surprising. Throughout history, international legal decisions have often depended on the willingness of states to respect and implement them.

The Arbitral Award gave the Philippines a strong legal foundation. The challenge over the past decade has been finding ways to translate that legal victory into lasting security, stability, and protection of our maritime rights.

Sometimes, discussions about the West Philippine Sea are seen as matters only for diplomats, soldiers, or policymakers.

In reality, they affect every Filipino.

For generations, fishing communities in Zambales, Palawan, Pangasinan, and other coastal provinces have depended on these waters for their livelihood. When access to traditional fishing grounds becomes more difficult, it directly affects families whose daily income depends on the sea.

Beyond fisheries, the West Philippine Sea holds significant energy resources and serves as an important maritime route for international trade. Its importance extends beyond territorial issues—it touches food security, energy security, economic development, and national security.

This is why the West Philippine Sea should not be viewed solely as a military concern. It is a national concern that affects us all.

One lesson stayed with me throughout my military career: people are more willing to protect what they understand and value.

Over the years, I have been encouraged to see more Filipinos taking interest in the West Philippine Sea. Recent surveys showing strong public support for protecting our maritime rights reflect a growing awareness of what is at stake.

I was particularly moved by the symbolic sea activities organized by fisherfolk during this anniversary period. These were ordinary Filipinos expressing their commitment to protecting the waters that have sustained their communities for generations.

That same spirit of service is something I have seen throughout my years in the Armed Forces. It is not limited to those in uniform. It can also be found among ordinary citizens who quietly do their part for the country.

When I began my military career, many of the threats we faced were on land. We dealt primarily with insurgencies and other internal security challenges.

Today’s security environment is different.

Military leaders now speak of challenges that involve information operations, cyber activities, economic pressure, and gray-zone tactics—methods designed to influence events without escalating into open armed conflict.

These developments require a broader approach to national defense. Modernizing the Armed Forces remains essential, but modernization today goes beyond acquiring ships and aircraft. It also means strengthening cyber capabilities, intelligence, strategic communications, and cooperation with civilian institutions and international partners.

As one policy institute aptly observed, the Arbitral Award provided the Philippines with legal standing. The years ahead must focus on building the strategic capacity needed to uphold those rights.

To the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guard personnel, and all those who continue to safeguard our country’s interests, I offer my sincere respect.

Your work is not always visible to the public, and many of the challenges you face receive little attention. Yet your professionalism and dedication help protect the rights that were affirmed through the Arbitral Award.

Every patrol you conduct, every mission you complete, and every day you faithfully perform your duty contributes to safeguarding our national interests.

That service deserves the gratitude of every Filipino.

As we commemorate this anniversary, I hope it serves not only as a reminder of an important legal victory but also as an opportunity to strengthen our long-term commitment to protecting our national interests.

Continuing the modernization of the Armed Forces and the Philippine Coast Guard remains important. So does investing in diplomacy, strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations, supporting our fishing communities, and ensuring that future generations understand why the West Philippine Sea matters.

Protecting our maritime rights requires sustained effort from government institutions, security forces, the private sector, and ordinary citizens alike.

During my years in service, I learned that national unity is one of a country’s greatest strengths.

Like any democracy, we will always have differences in opinion on many issues. That is both natural and healthy. But the West Philippine Sea is one issue where our shared national interest should remain our common ground.

Regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs, protecting the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights is a responsibility that belongs to every Filipino.

Our nation may not possess the military strength of larger powers, but history has repeatedly shown that the Filipino people have overcome difficult challenges through resilience, determination, and unity.

Ten years after the Arbitral Award, its significance remains as relevant as ever.

It reminds us that nations can stand up for their rights not only through military strength but also through law, diplomacy, and principled leadership. That achievement remains an important part of our national story.

The responsibility now is to preserve and build upon what was achieved.

The West Philippine Sea is more than a maritime issue. It represents our livelihood, our security, our sovereignty, and the future we hope to leave to the next generation.

As we remember this important milestone, may we continue to approach it with confidence, patience, and a shared commitment to protecting what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas.