Protesters release balloons as they display placards as while chanting anti-China slogans during a rally by different activist groups over the South China Sea disputes, along a bay in metro Manila, Philippines July 12, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
Filipinos from all over the country celebrated as an international court backed the Philippines' arbitration case against China on Tuesday.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued a “unanimous award” to the Philippines, which had sought clarity on its rights to exploit its exclusive economic zone, portions of which are held by China.
READ: Philippines beats China in international court
Activists who also travelled to disputed Scarborough Shoal and were blocked by Chinese Coastguard a few months ago, were elated after the arbitration court in Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines Photo by Erik de Castro, Reuters
Filipinos also took to social media to express their joy over the country's victory.
Some also used popular memes to allude to the PCA ruling.
The hashtag #CHexit topped the trends worldwide following the release of the court ruling.
Meanwhile, several groups in Roxas Boulevard also celebrated Philippines' win in the arbitration court.
Members of the US Pinoys for Good Governance, along with their Manila Coordinator Rogelio "Vonz" Santos; Former Cong. Roilo Golez who heads MARCHA (Movement and Alliance to Resist China's Aggression); Atty. Verya Joy Ban-Eg, spokesperson of the group, Kalayaan Atin Ito, which lead the recent courageous expeditions to Pag-asa, Panatag and Ayungin Shoal; and fishermen group from Zambales and Vietnamese Association of the Philippines gathered in Roxas Boulevard to welcome the ruling.
READ: All about the South China Sea dispute
- With a report from Jorge CariΓ±o, ABS-CBN News and Angel Movido, DZMM