Defending West Philippine Sea rights rooted in UNCLOS—expert

Defending West Philippine Sea Rights The Evolution of Maritime Sovereignty

As a national security expert, I have had the privilege of exploring the intricacies of international law and its application to maritime sovereignty. Today, I aim to shed light on the importance of defending our West Philippine Sea (WPS) rights, which are grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Foundation of Maritime Rights

While some may argue that the term West Philippine Sea was formalized through administrative means, it is essential to recognize that our maritime rights do not originate from administrative labels. The name West Philippine Sea was indeed formalized in Administrative Order 29 in 2012, but this does not imply that our rights come from administrative fiat. Instead, our rights are rooted in the binding treaty of UNCLOS, ratified by both the Philippines and China.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Article 121 of UNCLOS defines an island as a natural elevation of land above water, while Article 121(3) clarifies that rocks are not islands. This treaty serves as the foundation for our maritime rights and obligations.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) A Definable Space

UNCLOS also defines a country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as extending 200 nautical miles from its baselines. This means that the Philippines has exclusive authority to fish, extract resources, and manage activities within its EEZ.

The 2016 Arbitral Ruling A Legal Obligation

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued a ruling affirming that Recto Bank and surrounding maritime features fall within Philippine jurisdiction. This ruling is legally binding and non-negotiable, emphasizing the importance of upholding our WPS rights.

The Intersection of Diplomacy and Law

As national security experts, we must emphasize that defending our WPS rights is not just a matter of national interest but also a legal obligation. We cannot rely solely on diplomatic efforts to protect our maritime sovereignty; we must anchor our defense in law and international norms. Diplomacy without law is not peace, but weakness.

A Call to Action

In conclusion, I urge Filipinos to distinguish sound legal arguments from misleading claims. Defending the West Philippine Sea is a shared responsibility rooted in law and national interest. The true measure of patriotism is not just waving the flag but also standing firmly behind our country's rights and interests through law.

Keywords UNCLOS, West Philippine Sea, maritime sovereignty, international law, national security

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.