President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.emphasized the significance of the Philippines' legal victory over China in the West Philippine Sea, framing the 2016 arbitral ruling as a landmark decision that protects Filipinos' lives and livelihoods.

Speaking at a diplomatic event commemorating the award's 10th anniversary, Marcos rejected the notion that the ruling is merely a legal triumph, instead highlighting its human dimension.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of fisherfolk and coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on the health of the South China Sea.

Marcos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), despite ongoing tensions with China.

The ruling, which invalidated China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone.However, Marcos acknowledged that challenges persist, with confrontations between Philippine and Chinese coast guards continuing.He called for a united effort to ensure the South China Sea remains a zone of peace, cooperation, and connectivity rather than conflict.

The president's remarks reflect the Philippines' determination to balance legal advocacy with the pursuit of sustainable development and regional stability.