Nine Years On: Philippine Lawmakers Rally Against Disinformation in West Philippine Sea Dispute
Manila, Philippines – Nine years after the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, a group of young lawmakers in the Philippine House of Representatives has issued a call to action, urging Filipinos to combat disinformation and uphold the nation’s maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. This renewed emphasis on truth and unity comes amidst ongoing tensions and assertive actions by China in the disputed waters.
The “Young Guns,” a coalition of Representatives Paolo Ortega (La Union), Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur), Jay Khonghun (Zambales), and Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro), stressed the importance of public awareness and factual accuracy in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea. They emphasized the need to counter misleading narratives that undermine the Philippines’ legitimate claims and sow discord among Filipinos. The lawmakers affirmed their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on protecting the West Philippine Sea, highlighting the need for a unified national front.
Representative Ortega underscored the direct impact of the maritime dispute on Filipino fishermen and their families, stating that the fight for their livelihoods depends on disseminating accurate information and countering disinformation. He emphasized the significance of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and domestic legislation in safeguarding Philippine waters and ensuring the security of coastal communities. Ortega reiterated that these legal frameworks serve as a guarantee to fisherfolk that their livelihoods and the nation’s future are protected under the rule of law.
Representative Adiong highlighted the divisive nature of disinformation, stressing that false narratives weaken the Philippines’ position and create confusion. He emphasized the importance of a united front based on factual information to effectively assert the nation’s rights in the West Philippine Sea. Adiong pledged to continue promoting accurate information to strengthen national resolve and ensure public understanding of the country’s maritime entitlements.
Representative Khonghun cited a recent Pulse Asia survey conducted from June 26 to 30, 2025, which revealed strong public support for the government’s defense of Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, as affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling. This public backing underscores the importance of the issue for Filipinos and the need for transparency and accuracy in public discourse.
Representative Suan pledged that the “Young Guns” will remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the truth about the West Philippine Sea prevails. This commitment reflects the group’s recognition of the crucial role accurate information plays in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions related to the maritime dispute. The lawmakers’ call to action comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including incursions into Philippine waters and harassment of Filipino fishermen.
The anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in asserting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The “Young Guns” have highlighted the importance of public awareness and factual accuracy in this complex geopolitical arena. Their call to action represents a renewed commitment to defending the nation’s maritime rights and ensuring the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and the security of coastal communities. The emphasis on combating disinformation underscores the critical role of accurate information in shaping public opinion and fostering a united national front in the face of external pressures. The lawmakers’ appeal to truth and unity serves as a powerful message of resolve in the ongoing struggle for maritime security and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.