Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ________
Introduced by KABATAAN PARTY-LIST Representative Raoul Danniel A. Manuel,
ACT TEACHERS PARTY-LIST Representative France L. Castro,
and GABRIELA WOMEN’S PARTY Representative Arlene D. Brosas
AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 12 AS THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution of the Philippines, particularly Article II, Section 2, recognizes the
country's pursuit of an independent foreign policy, the promotion of just and dynamic
social order, and the adherence to the rule of law. It further emphasizes the protection of
the nation's marine wealth, in accordance with international law.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued a landmark ruling on July 12,
affirming the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The ruling
invalidated China's excessive maritime claims, including its encroachment on the
Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the Spratly Islands.
This House Bill seeks to commemorate July 12 as the "West Philippine Sea Day" in
remembrance of the 2016 Hague ruling. The bill aims to raise awareness among
Filipinos about the significance of the ruling and its implications for the country's
sovereignty, territorial integrity, and marine resources.
The salient points of this House Bill include the following:
1. Designation of July 12 as the West Philippine Sea Day: This bill seeks to officially
recognize July 12 as the West Philippine Sea Day, to commemorate the historic Hague
ruling and its impact on the country's territorial claims and marine resources.
July 12, 2023
4:41 pm
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2. Promotion of public awareness and education: The bill calls for the implementation of
educational campaigns, seminars, and forums to inform the Filipino people, especially
the youth, about the significance of the Hague ruling. These activities aim to foster a
sense of patriotism and vigilance in protecting the West Philippine Sea.
3. Advocacy for peaceful resolution: The bill emphasizes the importance of resolving
disputes in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means and the rule of law. It
encourages diplomatic efforts to assert the country's rights and promote cooperation
among neighboring countries.
4. Emphasis on the Economic and Ecological Importance of the West Philippine Sea:
The bill underscores the need to safeguard the economic and ecological importance of
the West Philippine Sea, as well as the rights and welfare of Filipino fishermen who rely
on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood. It calls for the provision of support and
assistance to ensure their safety and sustainable access to marine resources.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. By commemorating
the West Philippine Sea Day, we can reinforce the significance of the 2016 Hague ruling
and promote the protection of our nation's sovereign rights and marine wealth.
Approved,
Rep. RAOUL DANNIEL A. MANUEL
Kabataan Party-List
Rep. FRANCE L. CASTRO
ACT Teachers Party-List
Rep. ARLENE D. BROSAS
Gabriela Women’s Party


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ________
Introduced by KABATAAN PARTY-LIST Representative Raoul Danniel A. Manuel,
ACT TEACHERS PARTY-LIST Representative France L. Castro,
and GABRIELA WOMEN’S PARTY Representative Arlene D. Brosas
AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 12 AS THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "West Philippine Sea
Day Act."
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.- It is the policy of the State to promote
national pride, unity, and awareness of the historical and legal significance of the
Philippines' victory in the Hague Ruling on the conflict in the West Philippine Sea. The
State recognizes the importance of commemorating this victory to assert the country's
sovereign rights and territorial integrity.
SECTION 3. West Philippine Sea Day. - The 12th of July shall be declared as
the West Philippine Sea Day in commemoration of the Philippines' victory in the Hague
Ruling on the conflict in the West Philippine Sea. This day shall be observed annually
as a special working holiday.
SECTION 4. Commemorative Activities. - The Department of Foreign Affairs, in
coordination with relevant government agencies, shall be responsible for organizing and
coordinating commemorative activities on the West Philippine Sea Day. These activities
may include but are not limited to educational campaigns, seminars, forums, exhibitions,
and cultural events that highlight the significance of the Hague Ruling, raise awareness
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about the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea, and emphasize the economic and
ecological importance of the West Philippine Sea.
SECTION 5. Inclusion in Educational Curricula. - The Department of
Education shall ensure the inclusion of lessons and materials in the formal educational
curricula that promote a deeper understanding of the West Philippine Sea issue, the
Hague Ruling, and the country's territorial sovereignty, as well as the cultural and
historical significance of the West Philippine Sea. This shall be implemented in both
public and private educational institutions at all levels.
SECTION
6. Public Awareness Campaign. - The government, through
appropriate agencies, shall conduct a nationwide public awareness campaign to inform
the Filipino people about the West Philippine Sea issue, the Hague Ruling, and the
importance of safeguarding the country's sovereign rights and territorial integrity, as well
as the economic and ecological importance of the West Philippine Sea, especially to
fishing communities along the coastline. The campaign shall utilize various media
platforms, including but not limited to television, radio, print, and online channels.
SEC. 7. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be charged against the agencies’ current budget and shall thereafter be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department
of
Foreign
Affairs,
in
consultation
with
civil
society
groups
and
organizations, shall promulgate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations
within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - Any provision or portion of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional shall not have the effect of nullifying other parts thereof.
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, decrees, executive orders,
issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to, and
inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.
SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.
Approved,