On the eighth anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines against China, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its territory and sovereign rights.
In a video message, Sec. Teodoro emphasized the significance of the award, which upholds the Philippines’ rights to its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. He stressed that the defense of these rights ensures that the Philippines, and not any other country, benefits from its natural resources under international law.
“Kaya po, ito po ay hindi biro-biro, hindi po ito salita lamang,” Teodoro stated, highlighting the serious nature of their efforts. He commended the Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre for their dedication in guarding the West Philippine Sea and upholding the 2016 arbitral award.
The Department of National Defense expressed hope for continued support from Filipinos in asserting their rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Kami po ay nananalig na nasa likuran niyo kami sapagkat para sa ating mga kababayan po itong ating ipinaglalaban, at kung ano ang ipinagwagi natin ngayong araw na ito, kinikilala po natin at isinusulong po natin,” Teodoro said.
He called for unity among Filipinos in supporting the arbitral award and upholding international law.
“Sana po pagtibayin pa po natin ang pagkakaisa ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa likod nitong arbitral award, sa likod ng international law at sa likod ng paniniguro na ang likas na yaman ng Pilipinas ay para sa Pilipino,” Teodoro added.
Teodoro assured that the Department of National Defense remains steadfast in its daily efforts to protect the nation’s territory and sovereign rights, ensuring that the natural resources recognized under international law benefit the Philippines.
