Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno is calling for the urgent passage of a measure mandating education on West Philippine Sea (WPS) history, geography, and legal basis in schools, stressing the need to combat misinformation and strengthen national awareness among Filipino youth.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, Diokno confirmed that House Bill No. 1625, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act of 2025, had already been filed, highlighting its importance amid the spread of fake news.
“Sa tingin ko, kailangan na kailangan natin ito… dahil nakaw sobra ang kalat ng fake news tungkol sa WPS,” he said, adding that the bill aims to teach not only history but also the legal foundations of the country’s claim.
“Hindi lang yung kasaysayan, kundi pati yung batayang legal kung bakit klarong-klaro na atin ang West Philippine Sea.”
The proposed measure seeks to integrate WPS-related lessons into both public and private school curricula to ensure students understand the country’s maritime rights, historical context, and legal standing under international law.
Under the bill, students will be taught the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the significance of the 2016 arbitral ruling in The Hague, which upheld the country’s claims.
Diokno emphasized that educating the youth is crucial in countering foreign narratives and strengthening national identity. He warned that without proper education, Filipinos may be misled, noting how other countries instill territorial claims early on among their citizens.
“Hindi lang ito issue ng impormasyon… Ito ay issue ng kaalaman ng mamamayang Pilipino,” he said, stressing that the WPS issue affects food security, energy resources, and national sovereignty.
The lawmaker also urged Congress to fast-track the bill, suggesting it be certified as urgent or included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priorities.
If enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be tasked to develop age-appropriate learning materials in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure lessons are factual, balanced, and grounded in international law.
Diokno called on fellow lawmakers and the public to support the measure, emphasizing that an informed citizenry is key to protecting the country’s territorial rights.
