Together for the West Philippine Sea: VM Bebot Rodriguez Rallies Support for Philippine Maritime Rights

“ATIN ang West Philippine Sea”—these words echo the unyielding resolve of every Filipino amid the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

The Republic of the Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings against the People's Republic of China on January 22, 2013, under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippines sought a tribunal judgment on critical issues, including the invalidity of China’s nine-dash line claims under UNCLOS, the classification of land features in the South China Sea, the legality of China’s land reclamation activities, and whether China had unlawfully interfered with the Philippines' rights to exploit resources within its claimed waters.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague issued a landmark ruling in favor of the Philippines, affirming the country's rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite this decisive victory, China rejected the ruling, labeling it "illegal, null, and void."

To this day, the situation remains tense, and the aggressive behavior in the disputed area continues to cause concern across the country. Filipino fishermen, who depend on these waters for their livelihood, face increasing risks, while all Filipinos worry about potential threats to our national security and economic stability.

In the face of these challenges, Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez has been a leading voice for solidarity and action. During a recent press conference for the national advocacy run “Takbo para sa West Philippine Sea,” scheduled to take place in CDO on September 8, 2024, the lady vice mayor passionately conveyed the importance of unity in defending our maritime rights. “We stand united as Filipinos in defending our nation’s sovereignty and upholding our territorial rights,” she stated.

This run is more than just an event; it’s a movement to raise public awareness and rally support for our maritime rights. In her welcome remarks, Vice Mayor Rodriguez also highlighted Resolution No. 14859-2024, a piece of legislation she authored titled "Resolution Expressing the Collective Support of the Residents of Cagayan de Oro for the Philippine Government's Efforts in Protecting the West Philippine Sea." This resolution embodies the spirit of Kagay-anons, standing in solidarity with the rest of the nation to protect what is rightfully ours.

As we unite in this cause, we must remain vigilant and steadfast. Our collective voice and commitment are crucial in ensuring our rights are protected and our sovereignty upheld. As one nation, we declare, “Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil!”—to the oppressors, we will not yield!