Manila: The Philippine government marked the ninth anniversary of its landmark arbitral victory in the territorial dispute with China, with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasizing the significance of the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) as "an irreducible truth."

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro highlighted that the PCA's 501-page ruling, released on July 12, 2016, favors the Philippines in its case against China concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Despite China's refusal to acknowledge the ruling and its continued assertive actions in the area, Teodoro asserted that "no amount of pressure, reinterpretation, or power plays" can undermine the Philippines' legal victory before the PCA.

The Defense Secretary further stressed the importance of the rule of law, stating, "We are reminded of something simple yet powerful: the rule of law matters. For countries like the Philippines, an archipelagic nation whose very existence is intertwined with the maritime domain, respect for international law is not just a principle. It is a lifeline."

National Security Adviser Eduardo A±o reinforced this sentiment, describing the arbitral award as "a definitive triumph of reason over force and of rules over coercion." He noted that the ruling reaffirms the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and clarifies the Philippines' maritime rights and entitlements in the WPS.

A±o also emphasized that the award is "final and binding" and "cannot be erased by intimidation or misinformation," stating that it is "an enduring part of international law" and serves as a guiding principle for peace-loving nations. Additionally, he highlighted that the Philippines has incorporated the Award into its legal framework through the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, and it influences the country's National Security Policy and National Security Strategy.