An opinion piece published by BusinessWorld is urging more local government units, beyond Cebu City and Labrador in Pangasinan, to declare July 12 as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day,' with the ultimate goal of establishing a national observance commemorating the landmark 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines.
The ruling, issued on July 12, 2016, invalidated China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea (referred to as the West Philippine Sea in the Philippines), marking a rare legal victory for a small nation against a major power. The author argues that a national day of recognition would help sustain public awareness and resolve regarding the country's territorial rights.
The piece emphasizes that while the ruling was a diplomatic and legal triumph, its anniversary offers an opportunity to reinforce the emotional and civic commitment to protecting the country's sovereign interests. Expanding local proclamations into a national holiday, the writer contends, would institutionalize the spirit of that victory for future generations.