The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) asserts the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, based on historical treaties like the Treaty of Paris and Treaty of Washington. These treaties confirm the Philippines’ ownership of islands and waters surrounding its archipelago.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines holds sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles from its coastlines.
The IBP highlights the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, reinforcing Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea for activities such as fishing and resource exploration. The IBP emphasizes Filipino fishermen’s right to fish within the Philippine EEZ, protected by Article XIII, Section 7 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The organization stands with Filipino fishermen and supports the Philippine government in defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
(source: IBP, photo: googlemaps)