Palace: West Philippine Sea on Google Maps affirmation of PH territory

Images of the West Philippine Sea which has recently been recognized on Google Maps.

MANILA, Philippines — The labeling of the western section of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the “West Philippine Sea” on Google Maps affirms that it is part of the country’s territory, a Palace official said.

At a briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro was asked for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reaction to the development.

READ: West Philippine Sea seen on Google Maps

“Definitely, this is something that makes us happy, it’s truly delightful. If we’re not mistaken, this was reported as early as last week, so we know how much joy it brings—not just to us, but to the entire nation,” she said in Filipino.

WPS affirmation

“It’s fulfilling to see the West Philippine Sea being recognized, even though some claim that the West Philippine Sea is merely fabricated. Once again, because it has been acknowledged on a platform like Google Maps, this is something we take pride in, as the recognition of the West Philippine Sea affirms that it is ours,” she continued.

READ: Experts refute Marcoleta: ‘West Philippine Sea is real’

While Castro did not mention any names, Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta previously claimed that the WPS is not real.

“There is nothing [sic] as West Philippine Sea,” Marcoleta said during an online misinformation hearing last February. “This is a creation by us.”

These remarks did not sit well with Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, who said, “Hearing someone claim that the ‘West Philippine Sea’ is merely a fabrication of the Philippine government is a disservice and an embarrassment to their entire party, the organization they belong to, and even their own family.”

Marcoleta’s statement was also refuted by security expert Chester Cabalza, who stressed that the WPS is “not just a figment of imagination.”

“It is part of our imagined community and experienced culture. The West Philippine Sea forms part of our national sovereignty in the exercise of our sovereign rights,” he told INQUIRER.net.