MANILA, Philippines — The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Wednesday maintained the country’s position on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award and insisted the ruling remained the legal basis for the country’s maritime rights and entitlements.
In a statement, the NMC threw its support behind the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and stressed that the Philippine government’s“clear and consistent” stance anchored on the stressing 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
“The Award is final and legally binding on the parties and remains an important contribution to international law and the rules-based international order,” the NMC said.
“As the Philippines commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Award on July 12, 2026, we recognize its enduring significance not only to the Philippines but also to the international community,” it added.
The council likewise reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, adding that upholding the arbitral ruling strengthens legal certainty, promotes responsible state behavior, and contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
“Disputes can be addressed through peaceful means and resolved in accordance with international law,” it said.
The arbitral tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12, 2016, invalidating China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea based on its so-called nine-dash line. The tribunal found that China’s claims had no legal basis under UNCLOS.
China has refused to recognize the ruling and continues to reject its validity, while the Philippines has consistently maintained that the award is final and binding under international law.
