MANILA, Philippines — As the country marked the ninth anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez called on Filipinos to stand united in defending the nation’s sovereignty and to “always be Filipinos — in word, in deed, and in duty.”

Romualdez, who led the House of Representatives in the 19th Congress and serves as president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), described the ruling as a “historic affirmation” of the Philippines’ rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Arbitral Award reaffirms what we’ve always known in our hearts — the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people. Not because we are the strongest, but because it is rightfully ours under international law,” said Romualdez, a lawyer and president of Lakas-CMD.

He said that the July 12, 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague was not just a legal triumph, but a victory “of principle over power, of law over intimidation,” which showed what Filipinos can achieve when united.

The ruling invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim and upheld the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It has been widely cited as a milestone in strengthening the rules-based international order.

Romualdez noted that the Arbitral Award is “a cornerstone of our foreign policy, a source of strength for our people, and a moral compass for nations that seek justice through peaceful means.”

He commended his cousin President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of National Defense for upholding the country’s rights and building international alliances rooted in respect for international law.

Amid ongoing tensions and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining the ruling, Romualdez urged vigilance.

“This is not just about maritime boundaries. It’s about our dignity, our future, and our duty to the next generation. The rule of law is our shield, but unity is our sword,” he said.

Romualdez called on all Filipinos to honor the spirit of the Arbitral Award every day.

“The West Philippine Sea is ours. And as long as we stand as one — brave, just, and proudly Filipino — we will always stand on the side of what is right,” he said. “Let us live our nationhood — not just today, but every day — in word, in deed, and in duty.”