19/06/2026
KAS Philippines in partnership with the WPS Foundation, marked the tenth anniversary of the Philippines' landmark arbitral victory with a forum titled "Manila Calling – A Decade of the Philippines' Arbitral Victory: Enduring Lessons, Evolving Relevance, and Ongoing Challenges" on June 17, 2026, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City.
The forum brought together legal, diplomatic, and security experts, alongside members of the public, to reflect on what the Arbitral Award means today—a decade after the Tribunal constituted in accordance with Annex VII of the UNCLOS issued its landmark ruling. The Award found that Beijing’s nine-dash line claim has no legal basis under international law and affirmed that Recto Bank and Ayungin Shoal formed part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The discussion also examined the challenges and opportunities that remain in advancing a rules-based order in the South China Sea and explored policy recommendations to promote regional stability, strengthen adherence to international law, and further advance the implementation of the Arbitral Award.
The occasion also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KAS Philippines—represented by Ms. Daniela Braun, Country Director—and WPS Foundation, represented by Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, President and CEO. The MOU marks a new chapter in the growing partnership between the two organizations and reaffirms a shared commitment to advancing maritime security and the rules-based international order.
The forum was hosted by Ms. Sophiya Navarro, KAS Program Manager for Security and Foreign Affairs, who also led the closing ceremonies.
KAS Philippines extends its gratitude to the WPS Foundation, the distinguished speakers—Justice Antonio T. Carpio (Ret.), Ambassador Laura Q. del Rosario (Ret.), Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, and PCG RAdm. Jay Tarriela—and all participants for contributing to this timely and important conversation on international law, maritime security, Philippine sovereign rights, and the continued pursuit of a rules-based order at sea.
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