By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday hailed Google Maps’ recognition of the “West Philippine Sea” label as a “geopolitical affirmation” of the Philippines’ maritime claims and a boost to international support for the country’s sovereign rights.
Romualdez said the move marks more than a cartographic update, highlighting its political and diplomatic significance.
“Google’s decision to reflect the West Philippine Sea label is more than a map update. It’s a geopolitical affirmation. This platform shapes global consciousness, and this recognition adds significant weight to our cause,” Romualdez said in a statement.
He said the change aligns with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which legally recognizes the Philippines’ rights under international law over parts of the South China Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“This reinforces what we have long asserted: that these waters are part of the Philippines’ territory and all must respect our sovereign rights,” he said.
Romualdez further described the recognition as a “symbolic and moral victory” for the Filipino people.
“For the Filipino people, this is more than just a name on a screen. It is a symbolic and moral victory, a reminder of our decades-long struggle to protect what is rightfully ours,” he said.
He also credited the result to the country’s diplomatic efforts and peaceful assertion through legal channels.
“Ang paglalagay ng West Philippine Sea sa pangunahing mapa ay isang makasaysayang pagkilala sa ating karapatan at soberanya (The inclusion of the West Philippine Sea on major maps is a historic recognition of our rights and sovereignty),” Romualdez said.
“Ipinapakita nito na sa mata ng mundo, may saysay at bigat ang ating paninindigan— isang paninindigang nakaugat sa batas, katarungan, at pandaigdigang kaayusan (This shows that in the eyes of the world, our stance carries meaning and weight — a position grounded in law, justice, and global order).”
He expressed hope that the move would set a precedent for other international platforms.
“We hope this move will encourage other mapping services, institutions, and governments to follow suit and acknowledge what the law and justice clearly uphold,” he said.
He assured that the House would support all efforts that uphold Philippine sovereignty and promote peace and regional stability. (PNA)
