Ambassador Romualdez highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes in his opening remarks marking the 10th Anniversary of the Arbitral Ruling | Photo via Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award with a high‑level reception attended by U.S. officials, legal experts, and members of the Filipino American community, reaffirming Manila’s commitment to a rules‑based international order and peaceful dispute settlement. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez led the commemoration, emphasizing that the Award remains a moral and legal anchor for the Philippines’ position in the South China Sea.
The reception gathered senior U.S. State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary Michael George DeSombre and Deputy Assistant Secretary Hunt VanderToll, alongside Atty. Paul Reichler, the Philippines’ former counsel during the arbitration proceedings. Also present were two of the Philippines’ leading maritime scholars — Dr. Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines and Dr. Charmaine Misalucha‑Willoughby of De La Salle University — who shared insights on the Award’s enduring significance.
“Right Is Might”: A Message Resonating With Fil‑Ams
In his remarks, Ambassador Romualdez said the Award continues to remind nations that international law draws its strength “not from force or coercion, but from the collective resolve of nations to uphold and respect it”. He added that the true measure of a rules‑based order is whether it is defended “precisely when it is challenged” — a message that resonated strongly with Fil‑Am attendees who have long advocated for peaceful diplomacy and regional stability.
Fil‑Ams in the audience, including community leaders from Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey, said the anniversary underscores the importance of civic engagement and diaspora solidarity. “Fil‑Ams care deeply about the Philippines’ security and sovereignty,” said one attendee. “Events like this remind us that our voice matters in strengthening PH‑U.S. ties.”
The Embassy commemorated the milestone under the theme “A Decade Hence: The Enduring Promise of Peaceful Dispute Settlement” .
U.S. Support and Expert Reflections
Assistant Secretary DeSombre reaffirmed Washington’s position that the Arbitral Award remains “the most authoritative basis for peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea,” highlighting the Philippines‑U.S. alliance as central to safeguarding maritime security and promoting a free and open Indo‑Pacific.
Dr. Batongbacal said the Award has galvanized national unity around maritime issues. “Our people have never been so united around a single foreign policy issue,” he noted, calling the ruling a catalyst for awareness and cohesion around the principle that “right is might” .
Dr. Misalucha‑Willoughby emphasized that while the Award was a legal and moral victory, upholding international law remains an ongoing responsibility. “International law remains a critical tool that small and medium powers like the Philippines can use to protect and advance their national interests,” she said .
Background: The 2016 Arbitral Award
Issued on July 12, 2016, by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the ruling unanimously invalidated sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under international law.
