(Eagle News)–Senator Leila de Lima has filed a bill declaring July 12 of every year as a “West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day” in observance of the country’s victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration against China.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2201, De Lima, who, as then-justice secretary, was part of the delegation that argued for the Philippines’ case in the tribunal in 2013, said it was but “fitting and compelling that the 12th of July of each year be a Special Working Holiday dedicated to honoring this landmark decision favoring the Philippines..”
Under SB No. 2201, the Department of Foreign Affairs is tasked to “plan, design and implement activities” for the “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” to ensure the “meaningful observance” of the holiday.
She said such a move would hopefully instill “national pride among our people and motivating our government to constantly pursue and promote policies and programs consistent with the PCA ruling.”
In the 501-page ruling handed down by the PCA three years after the Philippines filed the case over the dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, the tribunal concluded there was “no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’.”
The line is a boundary that is the basis for China’s claim to roughly 85 percent of the sea.
“[Although] two Chinese navigators and fishermen, as well as those of other States, had historically made use of the islands in the South China Sea, there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources,” the tribunal said.
Since he assumed office, President Rodrigo Duterte has opted to temporarily set aside the PCA decision and to deal with China bilaterally.
Relations between the two countries have warmed since then.