Orihinal na Murillo Velarde 1734 map, nasa pangangalaga na ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas | 24 Oras

Summary

The Murillo Velarde map, known as the 'Mother of all Philippine maps,' was formally transferred to the Philippine government in a ceremony at Malacañang. Created in 1734 by Pedro Velarde, the map serves as key evidence in the Philippines' arbitration case against China, supporting the country's sovereignty over the South China Sea. It was instrumental in the UN arbitral tribunal's 2016 ruling, which dismissed China's historical claims and affirmed the Philippines' rights over its maritime zones. The map, once a symbol of colonization, now stands as a beacon of unity and determination in asserting national territorial rights.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Murillo Velarde map, created in 1734, is referred to as the 'mother of all Philippine maps.'
• 😀 The map was formally transferred to the Philippine government in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace.
• 😀 Mel Velasco Velarde, the private collector, purchased the map at an auction in London in 2014 before handing it over to the government.
• 😀 The map has significant historical value and is a key piece of evidence supporting the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea.
• 😀 The map provided critical evidence in the Philippines' arbitration case against China in the South China Sea dispute.
• 😀 In 2016, the UN arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's 'Nine-Dash Line' claim in the South China Sea.
• 😀 The Murillo Velarde map helped demonstrate that the Philippines has exercised continuous authority over key disputed areas like the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands.
• 😀 President Duterte emphasized that the Philippines would never lose any of its territory, reinforcing national unity and sovereignty.
• 😀 The map symbolizes both the historical and ongoing assertion of the Philippines' rights to its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
• 😀 Despite the arbitral ruling, China continues to reject the decision, using historical claims to support its territorial assertions in the South China Sea.

Q & A

What is the Murillo Velarde map and why is it called the 'mother of all Philippine maps'?

The Murillo Velarde map is a historical map created in 1734 by Pedro Murillo Velarde with the help of two Filipino artists. It is called the 'mother of all Philippine maps' due to its significant role in representing the earliest and most accurate depiction of the Philippines' territories during that time.

How did the Philippine government come to acquire the Murillo Velarde map?

The Murillo Velarde map was bought at an auction in London in 2014 by Mel Velasco Villarde, who later handed it over to the Philippine government. This marked the formal transfer of the map into the custody of the nation.

What role did the Murillo Velarde map play in the Philippines' arbitration case against China?

The Murillo Velarde map was a crucial piece of evidence in the Philippines' arbitration case against China regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea. The map demonstrated that the Philippines had long exercised authority over areas like the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, supporting the country's legal rights under international law.

What was the significance of the UN arbitral tribunal's 2016 ruling in relation to the Murillo Velarde map?

The 2016 ruling by the UN arbitral tribunal reinforced the Philippines' claims over its maritime entitlements, particularly in the South China Sea. The tribunal ruled against China's 9-dash line claim, and the Murillo Velarde map played a key role in providing evidence of the Philippines' historical and continuous control over the disputed areas.

How did the symbolism of the Murillo Velarde map change over time?

Originally, the Murillo Velarde map symbolized colonization as it was created during the Spanish colonial era. However, over time, the map has evolved into a powerful symbol of the Philippines' sovereignty and national pride, representing the nation's resolve to protect its territorial rights.

What statement did President Duterte make about the Philippines' territorial integrity, and how does the Murillo Velarde map relate to it?

President Duterte declared, 'Not an inch of our territory shall ever be lost,' highlighting the Philippines' unwavering stance on defending its territorial integrity. The Murillo Velarde map serves as a symbol of this commitment, underscoring the country's historical claims and authority over disputed territories.

How does the Murillo Velarde map contribute to the Philippines' legal position in the South China Sea dispute?

The Murillo Velarde map provides critical evidence that supports the Philippines' legal position in the South China Sea dispute, particularly its claim over the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal. It shows that the Philippines has continuously exercised authority and jurisdiction over these areas, which was a key factor in the arbitral ruling.

What did the 2016 arbitral ruling clarify regarding the Philippines' maritime entitlements?

The 2016 arbitral ruling clarified the Philippines' maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reinforcing the country's exclusive rights over resources within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as its territorial waters.

Why does China continue to reject the arbitral ruling, and what is their justification?

China continues to reject the arbitral ruling by arguing that their territorial claims are based on historical rights, particularly the 'nine-dash line' that they claim gives them sovereignty over much of the South China Sea. The Philippines, however, counters this claim by relying on international law and the arbitral ruling.

What message does the Philippine government hope to convey with the Murillo Velarde map's presentation?

The Philippine government hopes to convey a message of unity, resolve, and integrity through the presentation of the Murillo Velarde map. It serves as both a reminder of the country’s historical rights over its territories and a call to protect and assert these rights against external challenges.