Manila, April 15 -- House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday hailed Google Maps' recognition of the "West Philippine Sea" label as a "geopolitical affirmation" of the Philippines' maritime claims and a boost to international support for the country's sovereign rights.

Romualdez said the move marks more than a cartographic update, highlighting its political and diplomatic significance.

"Google's decision to reflect the West Philippine Sea label is more than a map update. It's a geopolitical affirmation. This platform shapes global consciousness, and this recognition adds significant weight to our cause," Romualdez said in a statement.

He said the change aligns with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, whic...