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'West Philippine Sea' tag on Google Maps a 'big victory': official
An official from the National Security Council hailed the "West Philippine Sea" tag on Google Maps as a "big victory" for the Philippines.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya expressed hope that this recognition would signal to Beijing that the acknowledgment of Manila's claims over these waters extends beyond the Philippine government.
Malaya thanked private companies, including Google and Waze, for using the term "West Philippine Sea," emphasizing its importance in upholding international law and the rules-based international order.
He urged other map and navigation companies to adopt the "West Philippine Sea" terminology, noting it is becoming a global standard.
Senator Francis Tolentino also expressed elation, viewing the inclusion as a victory and affirmation of the Philippines' policy to assert its sovereign rights.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the inclusion as an affirmation of international recognition of the country's sovereign rights, as upheld by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
Speaker Martin Romualdez described the labeling as a "geopolitical milestone" that affirms the Philippines' sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone.
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Malacañang expressed elation over the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Google Maps, viewing it as a significant recognition amid claims that it was merely an illusion.
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The National Maritime Council (NMC) stated that Google Maps labeling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) signifies a growing acceptance of the Philippines' claims over its waters.
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Google Maps and Google Earth now display the "West Philippine Sea" label, which Google states has always been on the map but has recently been made "easier to see" at certain zoom levels.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has rebuffed China's claim that a Philippine frigate illegally intruded into Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
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The National Task Force - West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) Area Task Force West has denied reports that the Philippines sought permission from China for its resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on March 4.
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