Controlling territories like the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise could yield immense economic benefits for the Philippines through exploitation of abundant minerals, fisheries, and marine resources. These areas offer opportunities for boosting national revenue, enhancing food security through fishing rights, and increasing energy independence by tapping underwater mineral reserves, ultimately contributing to national economic growth and stability .

The Archipelagic Baselines Law (R.A. 9522) supports the Philippines' territorial claims by establishing the baselines used to delineate the country's archipelagic waters and territorial sea. This law was part of the evidence submitted to the United Nations when filing a claim to include the Benham Rise under Philippine sovereignty, showing its utility in reinforcing the nation's maritime boundaries in accordance with international law .

The conflict illustrates that international disputes over natural resources often involve strategic, economic, and territorial interests. The West Philippine Sea's resource richness makes it a contentious area, showcasing how nations prioritize economic interests in claiming areas endowed with valuable resources. Competition for these assets can strain diplomatic relations, necessitating international legal frameworks like UNCLOS to manage and ideally resolve such disputes peacefully .

The West Philippine Sea, a resource-rich area, highlights its strategic importance to the Philippines due to its abundance in minerals, fisheries, and other marine resources . The ongoing disputes with China underscore this importance, as control over these territories influences access to these resources and impacts national security and economic interests .

Article 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution defines the national territory as the Philippine Archipelago, including all islands and waters. It comprises terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, territorial sea, the sea bed, the subsoil, insular shells, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands are part of the internal waters of the Philippines . These delineations are significant in international disputes as they provide a legal basis for claims over maritime regions rich in resources, such as the West Philippine Sea, and these claims are crucial in conflicts over sovereignty with other nations, notably China .

The Philippines demonstrates adherence to international norms by using legal avenues such as the United Nations framework to file claims and resolve disputes, as seen in its handling of the Benham Rise issue through UNCLOS. This approach not only legitimizes its claims but also aligns with global standards of resolving disputes diplomatically, highlighting a commitment to peaceful and lawful assertion of territorial rights .

The Philippines' determination to protect its territories reflects a commitment to maintaining national sovereignty, which is crucial for asserting its authority and control over its geographical domain. This determination is integral to preserving national identity, as territorial integrity is often tied to cultural and historical legacies. Furthermore, successful defense against external claims can reinforce national pride and unity, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding what is considered inherent to the nation's existence and prosperity .

The Constitution's explicit territorial definitions provide a clear basis for policies that seek to protect and enforce these boundaries. These definitions guide the formulation of maritime policies by outlining legal claims over waters and territories, influencing everything from national defense strategies to resource management and international diplomacy related to maritime issues .

The successful claim over Benham Rise could set a precedent for future disputes, providing a model on how to effectively leverage international law to affirm territorial claims. It may empower the Philippines in negotiations with other countries, encourage stronger maritime governance, and bolster its stance in other conflicting areas, such as the West Philippine Sea. This victory underscores the strategic use of legal frameworks in asserting and gaining international recognition of sovereignty .

UNCLOS plays a significant role in resolving territorial disputes such as the Benham Rise by providing a legal framework for maritime boundary claims. The Philippines' filing of a 'partial territorial waters claim' under UNCLOS led to its decision to include the Benham Rise as part of the country's territory, demonstrating the Convention's influence in legitimizing and recognizing national claims on continental shelves .