Looking beyond the arbitral award

TEN days from now, we will be marking the 10th anniversary of the West Philippine Sea arbitration award. And it may be worthwhile to reflect not only on the legal and diplomatic significance of the ruling, but also on its practical impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Ten years later, many may ask: What tangible benefits have reached the common people? Fisherfolk continue to face uncertainties, coastal communities remain burdened by economic challenges, and many Filipinos struggle with the same concerns of livelihood, food security and the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, political figures associated with the issue have…