REELECTED Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday called on the Filipino people to close ranks in defending the nation’s sovereignty and to “always be Filipinos — in word, in deed, and in duty” as the country marked last Saturday the ninth anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
Rep. Romualdez, who led the House of Representatives in the 19th Congress, described the ruling as a historic affirmation of the Philippines’ rightful claim over the West Philippine Sea — a victory not just for the country, but for the rule of law.
“The Arbitral Award reaffirms what we’ve always known in our hearts — the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people. Not because we are the strongest, but because it is rightfully ours under international law,” Rep. Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP) and President of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said.
“This was a victory of principle over power, of law over intimidation. And it reminds us of what we can achieve when we stand as one people, bound by patriotism and a deep love for country,” he added.
Issued on July 12, 2016, by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the ruling invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim and upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It has since been cited around the world as a milestone in the defense of a rules-based international order.
Rep. Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), emphasized that the Arbitral Award is more than just a diplomatic document — it is a living testament to Filipino resilience and rightful ownership of our seas.
“Nine years on, the ruling remains final and binding. It is now a cornerstone of our foreign policy, a source of strength for our people, and a moral compass for nations that seek justice through peaceful means,” he said.
He praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and key agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense for steadfastly upholding the award and building alliances with countries that share the Philippines’ respect for international law.
Rep. Romualdez also warned against disinformation campaigns that seek to downplay or distort the ruling, stressing that Filipinos must remain vigilant.
“This is not just about maritime boundaries. It’s about our dignity, our future, and our duty to the next generation. The rule of law is our shield, but unity is our sword,” he said.
He called on all Filipinos — in government and in everyday life — to keep the spirit of the Arbitral Award alive by remaining firm in principle and faithful to the country’s cause.
“The West Philippine Sea is ours. And as long as we stand as one — brave, just, and proudly Filipino — we will always stand on the side of what is right,” Rep. Romualdez said. “Let us live our nationhood — not just today, but every day — in word, in deed, and in duty.”
