Pasay city: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday reaffirmed the 2016 Arbitral Award's place as a core component of the Philippine maritime statecraft in the years ahead as it marks its 10th anniversary this 2026. At a commemorative conference in Pasay City, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the 10-year-old ruling has now become an 'unshakable, permanent anchor' of rules-based international order in the South China Sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro highlighted that the ruling authoritatively dismissed historic claims within the nine-dash line, emphasizing its legal significance as a peaceful dispute settlement. Lazaro reiterated the award's finality, asserting its binding nature and non-negotiable status. She emphasized the award's role as a guiding 'lighthouse' for maritime entitlements and marine environment protection, underscoring the principle of sovereign equality among states under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Lazaro affirmed the Philippines' commitment to international law, with UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award as integral elements of its foreign policy. She stated that Manila remains open to dialogue and will use the award as a legal and policy baseline in engaging with partners. Looking ahead, Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines will leverage its alliances to foster peace in the region.

At the same forum, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia's support for the decision and urged compliance from all parties, including China. Wong stressed the importance of rules and norms in maintaining regional stability and expressed concerns over the conduct of Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. She announced Australia's AUD160 million investment over 10 years to enhance maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian partners, notably the Philippines.

Wong further detailed Canberra's commitment by doubling its bilateral maritime assistance to the Philippines with a new AUD18 million investment for the current year. Tomoaki Shimada, Japan's parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs, echoed support for the Philippines, recognizing the Arbitral Award's binding nature and its significance in peaceful dispute resolution under UNCLOS.