Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the Cebu City Council's decision to declare July 12 of every year as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day,' calling the 2016 Arbitral Award a victory that the country should continue to uphold.
The resolution, passed on June 22, 2026, designates July 12 as a special non-working holiday in Cebu City to commemorate the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that favored the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China. The ruling declared China's nine-dash line claim as invalid under international law.
Teodoro emphasized that the annual observance serves as a reminder of the Philippines' commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He urged other local government units to follow Cebu City's example in promoting awareness of the country's territorial rights.
The DND chief also noted that the victory day celebration would include educational activities and public forums to inform citizens about the significance of the Arbitral Award and the ongoing efforts to protect the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
