As the Philippines marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, Sen. Loren Legarda reaffirmed the country's commitment to defending its maritime rights through international law, diplomacy and a rules-based international order.

Legarda said the landmark ruling goes beyond a legal victory, emphasizing its direct impact on the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk and the nation's food security.

"For many, the Arbitral Award is remembered as a landmark legal victory. For our fisherfolk, it is about being able to fish safely, return home to their families, and earn an honest living from the waters that have sustained generations of Filipinos," she said.

She noted that tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to affect coastal communities, forcing many fishermen to avoid traditional fishing grounds or travel farther offshore, increasing costs and reducing their catch.

Legarda described the arbitral ruling as one of the Philippines' greatest legal and diplomatic victories, affirming the country's sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone while rejecting China's sweeping claims based on the so-called nine-dash line.

She added that the ruling has since been reinforced through domestic legislation, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064) and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (Republic Act No. 12065), which align Philippine maritime governance with international law.

Legarda also cited historical and legal documents, including the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map, the Treaty of Paris, the Treaty of Washington, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award, as foundations of the country's position in the West Philippine Sea.

"Our rights in the West Philippine Sea are neither negotiable nor subject to intimidation. We have a duty to protect what belongs to the Filipino people, consistent with our Constitution and international law," Legarda said.

She urged Filipinos to remain united in defending the country's lawful maritime rights while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy.