21/07/2026
Ten years after the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, convened “Facts at Sea, Seeing the Facts: Narratives, Law and the Media Ten Years After the South China Sea Arbitral Award” at the National Library of the Philippines today, July 21, 2026.
The forum brought together leaders from government, media, academia, and the diplomatic community to examine how facts, international law, and responsible reporting shape public understanding of the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea.
The discussions highlighted the evolving challenges of reporting on the West Philippine Sea amid persistent disinformation, algorithm-driven information ecosystems, and competing narratives. Journalists shared firsthand experiences and emphasized the importance of media literacy, helping the public better understand complex issues and avoiding the amplification of false information. They underscored the need for journalism to provide a trusted space for correct and accurate information amid the noise.
The scholars examined how narratives surrounding the West Philippine Sea are shaped through media, communication strategies, and regional engagement. They discussed the importance of measured transparency, responsible framing of competing narratives, and stronger dialogue with ASEAN neighbors to broaden public understanding of the arbitral award and reinforce informed discourse on international law and maritime issues.
The speakers were Hon. Antonio T. Carpio, Retired Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines; Atty. Fretti Ganchoon, Senior State Counsel, Department of Justice; Regine Cabato, independent journalist; Bea Cupin, journalist, Rappler; Chiara Zambrano, former senior defense correspondent; Princess Catherine Pabellano, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños; and Deryk Matthew Baladjay, Lecturer, De La Salle University.
Mel V. Velarde, Chairman, AIJC and the NOW Group, delivered the opening remarks, sharing the historical foundation of the West Philippine Sea, while Ambassador Marielle Geraedts, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, closed the program. Mara Cepeda of The Straits Times, also a faculty member at the Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines Diliman, served as host and moderator.
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AIJC thanks the distinguished speakers, panelists, host/moderator, partners, and participants for contributing to a thoughtful and meaningful exchange of ideas. The Institute is especially grateful to the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines and the National Library of the Philippines for their continued partnership in advancing dialogue on international law, journalism, and public communication.
