Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT  
DECLARING JULY 12 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE 
HISTORIC DECISION OF THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION 
(PCA) IN FAVOR OF PHILIPPINE SOVEREIGNTY 
OVER THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The West Philippine Sea has been one of the most popular territorial 
waterways in the world with decades-long history of maritime dispute among 
seven (7) countries, including the Philippines and the People’s Republic of 
China. 
One of the persistent issues over this disputed territory is China’s 
controversial "historical" claim, outlined by a 9-dash line covering almost 90% 
of the contested waters. The said line runs as far as 2,000km from the Chinese 
mainland to within a few hundred kilometers from the territories of other 
claimant countries, such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The 
People’s Republic of China maintains its stand that it owns any land or 
features contained within that line. 
In 2013, the Philippines instituted arbitral proceedings against China 
concerning the “maritime entitlements” and the legality of Chinese activities 
in South China Sea. After 3 years of China’s continuous rejection and non-
participation in the tribunal proceedings, the Permanent Court of Arbitration 
(PCA) awarded the Philippines the merits of the dispute on  July 12, 2016. 
The tribunal held that the so-called “9-dash line” is invalid and has no 
legal basis to claim historic rights to resources. Further, the PCA ruled that 
China’s large-scale land reclamation has “caused severe harm to the coral reef 
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3:42 pm
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environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile 
ecosystems,” adding with emphatic clarity that China had definitely violated 
the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone. 
 
 
 
To commemorate this momentous legal victory by the Philippines in the 
PCA, it is fitting and compelling that the 12th of July each year be a Special 
Working Holiday dedicated to honoring this landmark decision favoring the 
Philippines, in the hope of instilling national pride among our people and 
motivating our government to constantly pursue and promote policies and 
programs consistent with the PCA ruling. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT  
DECLARING JULY 12 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL WORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO COMMEMORATE THE 
HISTORIC DECISION OF THE PERMANENT COURT OF ARBITRATION 
(PCA) IN FAVOR OF PHILIPPINE SOVEREIGNTY 
OVER THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA 
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 Victory Day.” 
SECTION 2. West Philippine Sea Victory Day. – July 12 of every year shall 
be declared a special working holiday to commemorate the day when the 
historic decision made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The 
Hague, Netherlands was issued. 
SECTION 3. Lead Agency. – To ensure the meaningful observance of the 
holiday as herein declared, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall plan, 
design, and implement activities for the “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” and 
ensure that the significance of this historic decision shall continue to inspire 
and instill a sense of pride in every Filipino, as well as to constantly remind 
the government to continually uphold our rights in the West Philippine Sea 
and emphasize that the policies that the government will pursue are 
consistent with the said ruling. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act shall 
be held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 6. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,