National West Philippine Sea Victory Day

Bitie of l TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session P4:03 JUL 14 SENATE S.B. No. RECEIVI INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT DECLARING JULY 12 AS THE NATIONAL WEST PHILIPPINE SEA VICTORY DAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES' TRIUMPH BEFORE THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION EXPLANATORY NOTE This bill seeks to formalize the annual commemoration of the landmark victory of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. It reaffirms the country's adherence to the generally accepted principles of international law and commitment to peace, justice, and international law, as the Constitution commands.1 On July 12, 2016, the Philippines secured a decisive victory in a landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands. The PCA concluded that China's claims to historic rights over most of the South China Sea, represented by the so-called "nine-dash line," had no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ruling also affirmed the Philippines rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea. Despite the decision of the PCA, Chinese vessels remain in the Panatag Shoal and other parts of the West Philippine Sea. They continue to harass and threaten Filipino fisherfolk and prevent them from exercising their traditional and legal fishing rights in the area. Unlawful Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea are estimated to have caused at least Thirty-Three Billion Pesos of damage annually to marine ecosystems within the Philippines' continental shelf and exclusive economic zone since the filing of the arbitration case in 2013.? Declaring July 12 as the West Philippine Sea Victory Day will keep the spirit of our nation's landmark triumph alive in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people. This commemoration will underscore the profound economic and ecological 1 Article Il, Section 2, 1987 Constitution. 2 Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs, Cost of China Damage to PH Reefs: P33B a Year, https://imoa.ph/cost-of-china- damage-to-ph-reefs-p33b-a-year/ (last accessed July 6, 2025)

significance of the West Philippine Sea-an enduring symbol of our sovereignty, natural wealth, and commitment to the rule of law. Hence, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. Senator

Pie ni t TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session P4:03 25 JUL 14 SENATE S.B. No. _ RECEN INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT DECLARING JULY 12 AS THE NATIONAL WEST PHILIPPINE SEA VICTORY DAY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES' TRIUMPH BEFORE THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. National West Philippine Sea Victory Day. - In order to

commemorate the Philippines' triumph on the West Philippine Sea dispute before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, July twelve of every 4 year is declared the National West Philippine Sea Victory Day which will be observed 5 annually as a special working holiday.

Sec. 2. Lead Agency. - The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with

relevant government agencies, is designated as the lead agency in organizing and 8 coordinating activities for the National West Philippine Sea Victory Day. The planned activities must highlight the importance of the historic PCA decision upholding the 10 Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, inspire and instill a sense of patriotism and pride in every Filipino, constantly remind the government to continually uphold our sovereign rights and territorial integrity, and emphasize that the policies the government must pursue are consistent with the PCA ruling. These activities may include but are not limited to educational campaigns, seminars, forums, and cultural events to emphasize the historical, economic and ecological significance of the said ruling. The campaign shall utilize various media platforms, including but not limited to television, radio, print, and online channeis.

Sec. 3. Appropriations. - This Act will be implemented initially within the

framework of the budget of the DFA for the year it is enacted into law. As far as practicable, the funds required will be drawn from its line budget appropriations for policy formulation, development, conduct of personnel development, technical research, publication and dissemination of studies on Philippine foreign policy. Thereafter, the amounts as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act will be included in the budget of the DFA in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act

is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected will continue in full force and effect.

Sec. 5, Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,

rules and regulations, and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act will take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,