Ten years after the 2016 arbitral ruling in the West Philippine Sea, Filipino fishermen continue to face harassment from Chinese vessels, despite the legal victory.

Ryan Jacinto, a 43-year-old fisherman from Zambales, highlights that conditions have worsened, with Chinese Coast Guard blocking access to Scarborough Shoal.

The ruling declared China's 'nine-dash line' invalid, but China's rejection of the decision has left fishermen unable to fish in their traditional grounds.Harassment, declining fish stocks, and rising costs have made fishing more difficult.Despite these challenges, fishermen like Jacinto and Christopher de Vera remain determined to defend their rights.

The article underscores the gap between legal victories and on-the-ground realities, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for livelihoods and sovereignty in the disputed waters.