Strengthening the country's maritime security is critical to sustaining investor confidence, protecting trade and ensuring long-term economic growth, according to the Stratbase Institute.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said over the weekend the Philippines no longer needs to prove the legitimacy of its maritime rights, as the 2016 arbitral ruling has already settled the issue under international law.

The challenge now, he said, is to translate that legal victory into credible enforcement.

“As we mark this tenth year, we honor a legal victory. But we also inherit its responsibility,” Manhit said. “The Award gave the Philippines a strong legal foundation. It is collective resolve, credible deterrence, and a whole-of-society collaboration fit for a multipolar world that will decide whether this victory stays alive, stays relevant, and stays enforceable for the next ten years.”

Manhit said this requires sustained investments in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard and other frontline agencies to secure the country’s maritime domain and broader economic interests.

He also stressed the importance of stronger international partnerships, saying the country’s ambassadors and allies “must continue translating diplomatic support into defense cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and joint capability-building.”

“And every community represented here — including our faith communities — has a role in reminding the country that this is a matter of national conscience, not only national security,” he added.