During his opening remarks at the Stratbase Institute Conference, “A Decade of the Arbitral Award: Credible Deterrence in Defense of the West Philippine Sea,” held on July 10, 2026, at The Peninsula Manila, Stratbase Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit presented a video montage honoring the friends and partners who have supported the 2016 Arbitral Award through the years. 

The tribute highlighted the collective efforts of local and international stakeholders in upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights, promoting a rules-based maritime order, and keeping the West Philippine Sea at the forefront of national and international attention. 

Prof. Manhit emphasized that sustaining the gains of the Arbitral Award requires continued unity, credible deterrence, and a whole-of-society approach: 

“As we celebrate this tenth year, we honor a legal victory. But we also inherit its responsibilities. 

The Award gave the Philippines a strong legal foundation. It is collective resolve, credible deterrence, and a whole-of-society collaboration fit for a multipolar world that will decide whether this victory stays alive, stays relevant, and stays enforceable for the next ten years.”