ISLAMABAD, 6 July 2026—The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award through a simple ceremony held during its regular Monday flag-raising program, reaffirming the Philippines’ enduring commitment to the rule of law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and a rules-based international order.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, Administrative Officer Mr. Christian Glenn T. Baggas read the message of National Security Adviser and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea Chair Secretary Eduardo M. Oban, Jr., in accordance with the directive of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Rain R. Mendoza underscored the historic significance of the 12 July 2016 Arbitral Award, rendered under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which affirmed that maritime rights are determined by international law rather than by power or unilateral claims.
She also highlighted the distinction between the South China Sea, the internationally recognized name of the larger body of water, and the West Philippine Sea, the official designation used by the Philippine Government to refer to the maritime areas within the Philippines’ territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and other maritime zones where the country exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with international law.
Addressing Embassy personnel, Chargé d’Affaires Mendoza emphasized that the Arbitral Award represents not only a landmark legal victory for the Philippines but also a reaffirmation of the country’s longstanding commitment to diplomacy, international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. She likewise underscored the Department of Foreign Affairs’ pivotal role in advancing and protecting Philippine national interests through principled and rules-based diplomacy.
The commemoration formed part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ simultaneous observance by Philippine Foreign Service Posts worldwide marking the tenth anniversary of the landmark ruling, reflecting the Philippines’ steadfast advocacy for peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law.
The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad remains committed to advancing the Philippines’ foreign policy objectives through diplomacy, dialogue, and constructive engagement with the international community. END
