PH now 'convergence hub' for upholding int’l law –DND chief
By Priam Nepomuceno
Philippine News Agency
July 12, 2026
MANILA – The Philippines has emerged as a global convergence hub for upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) following the historic July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday.
The defense chief highlighted this on the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award, calling it a landmark decision that affirmed the Philippines’ rights and entitlements in its exclusive economic zone."Given the importance of our location and the fundamental principles of international law we uphold, countries from all over the world have found common cause with us which we channel into purposive action," Teodoro said in a statement.
This is reflected by the growing number of nations that now hold Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) with the Philippines. These include the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and most recently France, which became the first European country to sign a VFA with the Philippines early this year.
Teodoro said Philippine partnerships are "increasing because these are based on fundamental freedoms, transparency, and the rule of law unlike sinister and cabalistic United Front Work and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions."
He noted how "heartening" it is to see Filipinos’ growing awareness and deep sense of ownership over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This shifting mindset is consistently backed by public opinion polls, including a recent survey showing that 86 percent of Filipinos support government collaboration with like-minded countries to defend the area, he added.
"We are focused on the fundamental bedrock of our mission-to build a strong, capable, responsive and deterrent defense system with particular attention on capacitating the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept mission while preserving the gains in internal security operations. Without public support, this task cannot be achieved," Teodoro said.
Teodoro also vowed that the defense sector will do everything within its power to enforce the landmark maritime ruling and preserve Philippine territory, while planning to deepen public knowledge of the WPS.
"The DND, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to be unstinting in the struggle to enforce this Award and to preserve our territorial integrity," he said.
The DND chief likewise reiterated their resolve to "resist and combat any attempt to deny our rights and entitlements in the WPS", adding these resources belong not just to the present but to future generations of Filipinos.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Oban Jr., who is also the chair of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), said the landmark decision reaffirmed what international law has long recognized: that maritime rights and entitlements are determined by law, not by power or coercion.
"Rendered pursuant to the UNCLOS, the Award is final and legally binding and remains a lasting affirmation of the rule of law in the maritime domain," he said.
Oban was also pleased to note that the Award continues to be recognized and cited in international jurisprudence, reinforcing the rule of law as the strongest foundation for the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations.
The NSA said the ruling affirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and lawful maritime entitlements under international law.
"As we commemorate this milestone, we recognize the unwavering dedication of our uniformed personnel, public servants, fisherfolk, coastal communities, and every Filipino who contributes to protecting our maritime interests. Their service, sacrifice, and resilience remind us that the Award (finds) meaning not only in law, but also in the daily efforts of those who safeguard and benefit from our seas," Oban added. (PNA)
