Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution declaring July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day to mark the country’s 2016 triumph at The Hague and in honor of the efforts of the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III in securing the landmark legal victory.
“PNoy is the father of our 2016 victory at The Hague. If not for his unwavering commitment to put the Philippines first, we would not have been awarded a landmark legal decision in international law, which established our credibility in the global arena,” Hontiveros said.
“Because of our victory in The Hague, the international community fully supports the Philippines against abuses committed by China,” she said in filing Proposed Senate Resolution No. 762.
The resolution states that after Chinese vessels began barring Filipino fisherfolk from their traditional fishing grounds in Panatag Shoal and other parts of the WPS, Aquino pushed for the arbitration proceedings against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
“PNoy was a true patriot. Even when the Philippines was going against the Goliath that is China, he pursued the case merely on the principle that it was the right thing to do. He would often say ‘the Filipino is worth fighting for,’ and this particular fight is undisputed proof that he kept his word,” Hontiveros said.
Having a day to remember and celebrate the win, Hontiveros said, is also a way to counter misinformation and disinformation that deliberately diminishes the arbitral victory.
“Many belittle this victory. There was a lot of fake news blaming PNoy for the loss of our territory. Let’s stop all these lies once and for all through correctly remembering his leadership,” Hontiveros said.
“Considering the unresolved territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, which continues to prevent and harass Filipino fisherfolk from exercising their traditional fishing rights in the area, it is essential that the spirit of the country’s landmark legal victory in the Hague be kept alive in the hearts of our people through a special day of remembrance,” she added.