The West Philippine Sea (WPS) refers to the portion of the South China Sea (SCS) that falls under the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. This body of water, rich in marine biodiversity and natural resources, is not only vital to the livelihood of Filipinos but also holds significant geopolitical and economic importance. However, the WPS has been a hotbed of territorial disputes, primarily between the Philippines and China, with other Southeast Asian nations also laying claims to parts of the sea.
In this article, we will explore the geographical, historical, and legal aspects of the West Philippine Sea, with a strong focus on the Philippines’ sovereign rights over it. The final section will cite credible news outlets and government sources that substantiate the facts presented.
I. Geographical and Strategic Importance of the West Philippine Sea
The West Philippine Sea covers approximately 381,000 square kilometers of the South China Sea. It consists of:
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The Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), including islands, reefs, and atolls such as Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island), Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), and Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).
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The Recto Bank (Reed Bank), a region believed to have substantial oil and natural gas reserves.
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Rich fishing grounds and trade routes, with around $3.37 trillion worth of goods passing through annually.
The Philippines’ EEZ, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), extends 200 nautical miles from its baseline. Within this zone, the Philippines has:
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Sovereign rights to explore and exploit marine resources.
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Authority over fishing, oil, and natural gas exploration.
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Jurisdiction over marine research and environmental protection.
II. The Philippines’ Sovereign Claim Over the West Philippine Sea
1. Legal Basis: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
The UNCLOS, adopted in 1982 and ratified by the Philippines in 1984, serves as the primary legal framework supporting the Philippines’ claim. Under UNCLOS:
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Coastal states have the right to a 200-nautical-mile EEZ.
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The West Philippine Sea lies well within the Philippines’ EEZ, giving it sovereign rights over the area’s resources.
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The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling in 2016 further reinforced this claim.
2. The 2016 Hague Ruling
In 2013, the Philippines filed a case against China at the PCA in The Hague, contesting China’s “nine-dash line” claim over the South China Sea. The PCA ruled in 2016 that:
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China’s historical claim had no legal basis.
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The Philippines has sovereign rights over its EEZ, including the Reed Bank and other disputed areas.
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China’s artificial island building and harassment of Filipino fishermen were deemed illegal.
The ruling was a significant legal victory for the Philippines, although China has rejected the decision, continuing its militarization and expansionist activities in the region.
3. Historical Basis
The Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), a part of the West Philippine Sea, was declared part of Philippine territory in 1978 by Presidential Decree No. 1596, issued by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The decree states:
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The KIG is part of the Philippine archipelago.
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It forms part of Palawan’s jurisdiction.
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The Philippines maintains effective occupation and governance over parts of the area, including Pag-asa Island, where Filipino civilians and military personnel reside.
4. Continuous Occupation and Governance
The Philippines has maintained a presence in the WPS through:
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Pag-asa Island’s civilian population, which includes schools, medical facilities, and a local government unit.
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The BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded naval ship on Ayungin Shoal, symbolizes the Philippines’ ongoing claim. Despite China’s blockade attempts, the Philippines continues to resupply and maintain its personnel on the vessel.
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Naval patrols and joint military exercises with allies like the United States serve as a show of force against China’s incursions.
III. The Geopolitical Tensions and Foreign Involvement
The WPS dispute has attracted the attention of global powers, particularly:
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The United States, which maintains a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s claims.
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Japan, Australia, and European nations, which support the Philippines’ claim and back the 2016 PCA ruling.
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China’s militarization of artificial islands, its harassment of Filipino fishermen, and its encroachment on the Philippines’ EEZ have drawn condemnation from the international community.
IV. Impact on the Philippines
1. Economic Impact
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The WPS contains rich fishing grounds, which are vital for Filipino fishermen. However, Chinese vessels frequently harass and block access to these waters.
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The potential for oil and gas exploration at the Recto Bank could boost the Philippine economy. However, China’s presence hinders exploration activities.
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The BPO sector and trade routes benefit from regional stability, making the protection of the WPS economically significant.
2. National Security
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China’s military bases on artificial islands pose a security threat.
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The Philippines Coast Guard and Navy have increased patrols to assert sovereignty.
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The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US strengthens the Philippines’ defense posture.
V. Conclusion
The West Philippine Sea is rightfully part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as defined by UNCLOS and affirmed by the 2016 PCA ruling. Despite China’s rejection of the ruling, the Philippines maintains sovereign rights over the area. Continuous diplomatic efforts, strategic partnerships, and unwavering assertion of legal rights are essential to protect and preserve the Philippines’ claim.
The WPS is not just a territorial dispute—it is a matter of national security, livelihood, and economic survival. The fight to protect the WPS is a fight to defend the nation’s sovereignty and ensure the future of Filipino generations.
Sources:
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Government Sources:
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Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): https://dfa.gov.ph
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Philippine Coast Guard (PCG): https://coastguard.gov.ph
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Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
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News Outlets:
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Rappler: https://www.rappler.com
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Philippine Daily Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.net
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CNN Philippines: https://www.cnnphilippines.com
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ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com
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