WPS Bloc file key measures in Congress to defend Philippine sovereignty in West Philippine Sea

Former Senator and now Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Representative Leila de Lima announced the official filing of two bills and one resolution this morning, as part of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Bloc’s legislative campaign to uphold Philippine sovereignty and national security.

Joined by fellow WPS Bloc members — Akbayan Partylist Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman-Luistro, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao — De Lima laid down the following measures:

• House Bill: National West Philippine Sea Victory Day – Declares July 12 as a national holiday commemorating the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral tribunal victory over China.

• House Bill: West Philippine Sea Mandatory Education Act of 2025 – Seeks to integrate WPS history, geography, and legal rights into the national education curriculum to empower future generations with knowledge of the country’s sovereign rights.

• House Resolution – Urges the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to investigate existing sister city agreements between Philippine and Chinese local governments, with the possibility of rescinding deals that may pose threats to national security.

“These measures are not just symbolic. They are part of our responsibility to protect the livelihoods, dignity, and future of Filipino fisherfolk and all citizens who depend on our seas,” De Lima stated.

Present during the filing were fisherfolk leaders from Bataan and Zambales, who expressed full support for the proposals, emphasizing how their communities have been directly affected by Chinese aggression in Philippine waters.

“The WPS is not just a geopolitical issue. It’s about people’s lives, food security, and our dignity as a nation,” said one of the fisherfolk leaders in Filipino.

De Lima reaffirmed the WPS Bloc’s mission to serve as a strong voice in Congress, especially at a time when, she said, "defending our territorial integrity must rise above politics."

“As we shout, ‘West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito!’ we hope that our collective voice will grow louder, stronger, and impossible to ignore,” she declared.

The WPS Bloc continues to call on other lawmakers to stand with them in defending the country’s territorial rights, human rights, and the rule of international law.

📷: Leila de Lima