Philippines marks 10th anniversary of South China Sea arbitration as fishermen remain blocked from Scarborough Shoal

On July 12, the Philippine Navy staged a synchronized water salute at Subic Bay Freeport to commemorate the ten‑year anniversary of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that rejected China’s nine‑dash line and affirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. The ceremony highlighted the legal victory that also recognized Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as traditional fishing grounds for Filipino fishers.

Despite the ruling, Chinese coast‑guard vessels have maintained a near‑continuous presence at the shoal since 2012, using water cannons, lasers and physical obstruction to prevent Philippine boats from accessing the waters. Fishermen from Masinloc, Zambales report ongoing harassment and are still unable to fish at the once‑productive reef. The Marcos administration has taken a firmer diplomatic stance than its predecessor, reviving joint patrols with the United States and expanding defense cooperation, but the blockade persists, underscoring the gap between legal affirmation and on‑the‑ground enforcement in the South China Sea dispute.