The Declaration of "West Philippine Sea Victory Day" remains a contentious issue in the Philippines, with many lawmakers pushing for the observance of July 12 as a national holiday. The day marks the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which struck down China's expansive claims to the South China Sea.
The Philippines' victory in the case has significant implications for maritime states and other nations that rely on free navigation through strategic waterways. The ruling upheld the country's sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), providing a crucial legal precedent for other countries to assert their claims. However, the implementation of this ruling has been met with resistance from China, which has continued to assert its claims to the disputed waters.
Several bills have been filed in the House of Representatives and the Senate to declare July 12 as "West Philippine Sea Victory Day," but these have yet to gain traction. The bills propose various activities to mark the occasion, including educational campaigns, seminars, and cultural events to emphasize the historic, economic, and ecological significance of the arbitral ruling.
Despite the efforts to raise awareness about the issue, China's propaganda machine has been effective in shaping public opinion. The country's ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, has been making overtures to the government, proposing joint fishing areas and cooperation on natural gas development. However, these proposals have been met with caution, with Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. warning that agreeing to such arrangements could weaken the country's legal stand.
The public's understanding of the WPS issue is crucial in countering China's propaganda. The inclusion of the WPS in the social studies curriculum is a good start, but more needs to be done to raise awareness and rally public support. An annual observance of July 12 could provide a natural convergence point for government, civil society, and business to come together and promote the country's rights within its EEZ.
The observance could include a half-day forum on current issues, art and cultural events, local government and sectoral exhibits, and public information drives on traditional and social media. The theme for the observance could focus on how the WPS issue affects ordinary Filipinos, including affordable fish and other seafood, jobs, and affordable electricity.
The lead-up to the 2028 national and local elections will be critical, with both superpowers likely to influence the outcome. Those pushing for the country's rights within its EEZ will need to be on top of their game to counter China's propaganda and ensure that the country's sovereignty is upheld.
The fight for the country's rights within its EEZ will not be easy, but it is a crucial one. The Philippines must remain vigilant and steadfast in its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and protecting its territorial integrity.
By working together, the government, civil society, and business can promote a stronger sense of national identity and unity, and ensure that the country's rights within its EEZ are protected for generations to come.
