The article emphasizes the critical need for the Philippines to protest China's declaration that the High Seas Treaty does not apply to the South China Sea.

It highlights the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, and warns that failing to protest China's claim could lead to irreversible losses.

Key points include the invalidity of China's 10-dash line under international law, the legal implications of Duterte's past statements, and the consequences of acquiescing to China's jurisdictional claims.

The author stresses that protesting China's declaration is a low-cost action with high national interest stakes, as it could prevent the erosion of Philippine rights over high seas resources and EEZs.The piece calls for vigilance to uphold the Arbitral Award and avoid legal pitfalls.