LEONARDO CUARESMA remembers when a day at Scarborough Shoal almost guaranteed a full catch. Nearly a decade after the Philippines won an international arbitration case against China, the 60-year-old fisherman says that promise remains out of reach as Chinese vessels continue to keep Filipino boats away from one of their richest traditional fishing grounds.
“The arbitral ruling was significant,” Mr. Cuaresma, who heads a fishermen’s association in Zambales province, said by phone in Filipino. “However, even though we won the case, it did not help our livelihoods.”
Defense economist Rocio Salle Gatdula said the arbitration victory remains legally significant but has produced little practical benefit for fishermen.
“However politically impactful the arbitration was, the ruling has not improved access for Filipino fishermen to traditional grounds like Scarborough Shoal, with Chinese forces continuing to harass and restrict entry despite the legal invalidation of China’s claims,” she said via Facebook Messenger.
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