Cebu — The city has officially established "West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day," designating July 12 of every year as a local observance to commemorate the Philippines' historic 2016 legal victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Cebu City Council unanimously approved the resolution, which aims to preserve the significance of the arbitral award for future generations and reaffirm the nation's sovereign rights and maritime entitlements under international law.
A Stand for Principle and Patriotism
The resolution, authored by Councilor Pablo G. Labra II, serves as a local commitment to upholding the rule of law. Councilor Labra has emphasized that the observance is not an act of hostility toward any nation but a peaceful affirmation of truth and respect for international standards. By making this a yearly event, the city seeks to ensure that the 2016 arbitral ruling—which invalidated China’s expansive "nine-dash line" claims—remains a well-understood pillar of Philippine national interest, especially among the youth.
Commemoration and Community Response
The declaration was first observed on July 12, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling. The observance included the nationwide "Tunog ng Karagatan" initiative, during which vessels at ports across Cebu, Talisay, and Mandaue sounded their horns 10 times to honor the occasion. Furthermore, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command held a culminating program at SM Cebu to raise awareness of the country's maritime rights. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. praised the Cebu City Council for its "principled and dignified stand," noting that the city’s action sends a powerful message of national unity.
Addressing Diplomatic Opposition
The council's decision faced formal opposition from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Cebu, which issued a diplomatic note expressing its "gravest concern and firm opposition" to the resolution. Despite this, local officials and various organizations, including the Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs (IMOA), have stood by the resolution, maintaining that the arbitral award is a valid and crucial victory for the Philippines. As Cebu City continues this annual observance, there is ongoing hope that such local initiatives will encourage other government units to strengthen civic education and patriotism regarding the nation's sovereign rights.
