A lawmaker on Sunday urged the government to remain steadfast in defending the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as the Philippines marked the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim.

Pinoy Workers Partylist Rep. Karl Fernandez Legazpi said the 2016 ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and underscored the need to protect the country’s marine resources and fishermen.

“As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Hague Arbitral Ruling, let us continue to uphold what is rightfully ours, stand by international law, and ensure that the West Philippine Sea remains a source of livelihood, food security, and opportunity for the Filipino people,” Legazpi said.

He said China continues to challenge Philippine rights despite the landmark ruling and noted that he had filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the reported presence of Chinese floating platforms near Bajo de Masinloc.

The anniversary was also marked at the Subic Bay Freeport, where the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority staged a ceremonial water gun salute and synchronized horn blasts by 28 vessels.