The Philippine Embassy in Singapore joined the global commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea with a flag-raising ceremony, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore joined the worldwide commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea by holding a flag-raising ceremony at its premises on 6 July 2026. The event formed part of a coordinated global observance ahead of the anniversary on 12 July, marking a decade since the landmark ruling reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights under international law.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig led the ceremony at the Embassy grounds on Nassim Road, where he delivered the message of Mr. Eduardo Oban, Jr., Chair of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). In the message, Secretary Oban underscored that the 2016 Arbitral Award, rendered under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), remains final and legally binding, reaffirming that maritime rights and entitlements are determined by international law rather than by power or coercion.
Secretary Oban also highlighted the Award’s enduring significance over the past decade, noting that it continues to be recognised and cited in international jurisprudence. He emphasised that the ruling strengthens the rule of law as the foundation for the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations while affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights and lawful maritime entitlements under international law.
In his remarks, Ambassador Macaraig said the Philippines envisions the South China Sea not as a theatre of rivalry, but as a sea of cooperation. He stressed that, ten years after the landmark ruling, the Arbitral Award represents not only a legal milestone but also a legacy that must be upheld and a shared responsibility for future generations.
Through the commemorative ceremony, the Philippine Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines’ sovereign rights through the rule of law. The Embassy also paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Filipino people, recognising the dedication of uniformed personnel, public servants, fisherfolk, coastal communities, and all Filipinos who continue to contribute to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
