Google Maps' WPS label hailed by NMC

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.

NMC views the Google Maps initiative as a reflection of the international community's increasing recognition of the WPS being within Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

The council believes this labeling acknowledges the Philippines' prerogative to name its maritime zones, promoting consistent international usage and upholding freedom of navigation in the WPS.

The NMC expressed hope that other global platforms will follow Google's lead in including the "West Philippine Sea" label, saying it aligns with international and domestic laws such as the 1982 UNCLOS, the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

The use of the "West Philippine Sea" label in a global platform, such as Google Maps, raises domestic and international public awareness regarding the Philippines' lawful maritime entitlements.

It also provides an internationally visible reference freely available to all across the globe and contributes to a stronger sense of national identity and unity among Filipinos, reinforcing pride in the country's rights as a maritime and archipelagic nation.