SINGAPORE, 12 July – Today in history, the Philippines made a significant contribution to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Nine years ago, the 2016 Arbitral Award on  the South China Sea, issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone, including in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Administrative Order No. 29 s. 2012, the “West Philippine Sea”  refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago which includes the Luzon Sea, the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and Bajo de Masinloc.

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore joins the Filipino nation and the international community in commemorating this significant event in history. The Philippines remains committed to fostering cooperation anchored on peace, diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation. 

Get to know more about the 2016 Arbitral Award by visiting the “Not One Inch” microsite launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2023. END.

Also read the following:

DFA Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, 12 July 2025

Department of National Defense (DND) Statement on the Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, 12 July 2025

Message of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. PA on the 9th Anniversary of the 2016 PCA Ruling, 12 July 2025

Statement of the National Security Adviser, Secretary Eduardo M. Año, 11 July 2025