Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday questioned China's reported proposal to establish a "common fishing area" in the West Philippine Sea, saying the Philippines' sovereign rights have already been affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Speaking on the sidelines of the first anniversary celebration of the Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) Program at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Teodoro said there is no need for such a proposal because the country's rights have already been recognized under international law.

"Hindi tayo pinanganak kahapon. Yan ay karapatan under the arbitral award. So bakit siya magsasubmit ng proposal, nadyan na yan sa arbitral award eh. So anong gusto niyang mangyari ngayon, tatanggap ka ng proposal na sasabihin mo dahil sa proposal nila kaya nagka fishing ground e nakalagay na yun dyan e common fishing ground with our EEZ so sino niloko nila," Teodoro said.

Teodoro was referring to reports that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan proposed establishing a "common fishing area" at Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.

He said the 2016 arbitral award remains the cornerstone of the Philippines' maritime policy, noting that it invalidated China's sweeping nine-dash line claim and affirmed the country's sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Teodoro also questioned the timing of the proposal and criticized its public announcement, describing it as a public relations effort.

"At saka ba't biglang ngayon lang 'yan? At bakit sa publiko niya ginawa? PR ang gawa nun eh. Ngayon, sa kabila naman nito, ang dami nilang kabalbalan na ginagawa sa mga PR outlets nila. Hindi lang ito, pati ibang mga bansa. Ginagawa nila ang paglabag sa international law," he said.

As the Philippines prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award on 12 July, Teodoro urged Filipinos to remain united in defending the West Philippine Sea.

He added that the DND and the Philippine Army remain committed to upholding the landmark ruling and protecting the country's sovereign rights in its maritime domain.