By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has reiterated her call to declare July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the country’s triumph against China regarding portions of the sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” was contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the resolution she filed.
The ruling also made clear that China had breached its obligations with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS. This is also an opportune time to show our biggest aggressor, China, that the Philippines will stand as one in the fight for our sovereignty. Ipakita natin na hindi niya tayo mapagwawatak-watak,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said that the 2016 victory showed the world that “a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.”
“But Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.
Hontiveros also led the Senate in adopting Proposed Senate Resolution 718, which urged the Executive, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to exhaust all diplomatic means – including going to the United Nations General Assembly – to stop China’s illegal activities in the WPS.
(el Amigo/mnm)
