The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is calling on more local government units (LGUs) across the country to officially declare July 12 as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day' in commemoration of the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone and invalidated China's sweeping maritime claims under the so-called nine-dash line.

The appeal came after Cebu City and the municipality of Labrador in Pangasinan adopted local measures recognizing the annual observance ahead of the ruling's 10th anniversary.AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Adm.

Roy Vincent Trinidad, described these initiatives as patriotic efforts and encouraged other LGUs to follow, saying that the observance reinforces national unity and awareness of the country's maritime rights and heritage.Palawan had earlier become the first province to institutionalize the commemoration through a provincial ordinance that took effect in 2024.

The article also recalls previous legislative efforts to establish a nationwide observance, including proposals from former lawmakers and senators to declare July 12 a special working holiday.

It reviews the background of the 2012 Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal standoff, the Philippines' decision to file an arbitration case under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the tribunal's 2016 ruling in favor of the Philippines despite China's refusal to participate or recognize the decision.The report further notes the contrasting policies of former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the latter consistently affirming the ruling as final and binding.

It also highlights a recent report showing increased China Coast Guard activity around Panatag Shoal, indicating Beijing's continued efforts to strengthen its presence in the area while avoiding more provocative actions such as land reclamation.