Senators belonging to the majority bloc united to reaffirm the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea, countering doubts raised by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta regarding the 2016 United Nations Arbitral Tribunal ruling in favor of the country.
The move came through Senate Resolution No. 256, signed by 15 senators, which condemned aggressive actions by representatives of the Chinese embassy toward Philippine officials on West Philippine Sea issues. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
During a Senate session, Sen. Marcoleta questioned the arbitral award, claiming that it did not provide clear coordinates or boundaries for the West Philippine Sea, and therefore could not be considered definitive.
In response, Sen. Pangilinan emphasized that the UN ruling explicitly recognized the Philippines’ rights while rejecting China’s claims.
“We were still awarded. Our claim and our rights were recognized and China’s rights were rejected. Are we saying now that we have to go back to the arbitral ruling, to the tribunal, present a new definition of what constitutes West Philippine Sea? So that they can amend or set aside the award?” Pangilinan said.
Marcoleta retorted, “Let me clarify, are we getting the impression that the West Philippine Sea was awarded to us by the arbitral tribunal on a silver platter? Sinabi po ba nila kung nasaan ang ating mga coordinates?”
Pangilinan countered, “Again, assuming that these have to be defined, I think we can define that by Philippine law.”
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also intervened, questioning whether China had provided coordinates for its so-called “nine-dash line” claim.
“Do they have coordinates? No. We have baselines, we have survey laws, but they do not,” Sotto said.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri highlighted that Philippine law already clearly defines the country’s maritime boundaries through Republic Act 12065 (Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act) and Republic Act 12064 (Philippine Maritime Zones Act).
The debate comes amid persistent Chinese claims over the West Philippine Sea, which continue despite the UN arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines.
Previous administrations, including that of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had dismissed the UN decision as merely a “piece of paper,” a stance often echoed by China.
