The newly formed West Philippine Sea (WPS) Bloc in the House of Representatives has filed proposed legislative proposals to strengthen the Philippines’ sovereignty and push back against alleged Chinese interference, particularly in local governments.
On Wednesday, July 9, the WPS Bloc, led by Akbayan Partylist and joined by fisherfolk leaders from Zambales and Bataan, filed two priority bills that seek to assert the country’s rights in the WPS and reinforce national awareness of its maritime victory.
The measures include House Bill No. 1625, which mandates the teaching of West Philippine Sea history, geography, and the country’s maritime rights in both public and private educational institutions nationwide.
House Bill No. 1626, which declares July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day every year, commemorates the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines, which rejected China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
"July 12 is not just a date. Commemorating it as National WPS Victory Day is a reminder that international law is on our side. Panahon nang ipagdiwang ito, hindi lang sa korte, kundi sa puso ng bawat Pilipino," said Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Rep. Leila de Lima in a Facebook post, who was also part of the WPS bloc.
The bloc also filed a House Resolution No. 0039, urging the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to review existing sister-city and sister-province agreements between China and Philippine local government units (LGUs), citing potential risks to national security.
“Dapat na nating i-cut off ang toxic friends natin. Kung walang pakinabang at puro pahamak lang sa ating national interest ang dulot ng mga agreement, the government must cancel them immediately,” Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña advised the DILG.
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno, one of the bloc’s key members, highlighted the importance of instilling national pride and maritime awareness among the youth.
“By educating our youth, we help ensure that the next generation will safeguard what is rightfully ours as a nation,” Diokno said.
The bloc said that institutionalizing West Philippine Sea education will also help combat pro-China disinformation and strengthen national identity in the face of external threats.
Aside from three Akbayan Representatives and De Lima, the WPS Bloc includes Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, and Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman-Luistro.
The bloc also expressed openness to welcoming more lawmakers who are committed to defending the country’s maritime territory and upholding the rule of international law.
Together with the fisherfolk, the WPS Bloc emphasized that their proposed policies are not only about defending territorial waters but also about ensuring the safety and livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.
Together with the fisherfolk, the WPS Bloc emphasized that their proposed policies go beyond defending territorial waters, but they are also aimed at protecting the lives, rights, and livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk who are most directly affected by foreign incursions.
