‘West Philippine Sea’ Label Restored on Google Maps

The “West Philippine Sea” label has been reinstated on Google Maps as of Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, after a brief disappearance that raised concerns among Filipino users and officials. The label, which denotes the portion of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), had vanished from the platform on April 30, prompting questions about its sudden absence.​

Google clarified that the removal was due to a technical issue and assured users that the label has now been restored. “The West Philippine Sea has always been labeled on Google Maps. We recently made this label easier to see at additional zoom levels,” a Google spokesperson stated. 

The reappearance of the label was met with relief and approval from Philippine officials. National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya described the label’s presence on Google Maps as a “big victory” for the country, emphasizing its significance in upholding international law and the Philippines’ sovereign rights. ​

House Speaker Martin Romualdez also welcomed the update, stating that the consistent labeling of the West Philippine Sea on widely used platforms like Google Maps reflects growing global acknowledgment of the Philippines’ sovereignty over the maritime areas within its EEZ. ​

The term “West Philippine Sea” was officially adopted by the Philippine government in 2012 through Administrative Order No. 29, which directed all government agencies to use the designation in official maps and communications. The label specifically refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago within the country’s 200-nautical-mile EEZ. ​

The recent visibility of the label on Google Maps without the need for specific searches marks a significant development. Previously, users had to search explicitly for “West Philippine Sea” to see the label, but the update has made it more prominent, reinforcing the Philippines’ claims in the region. 

The South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea, is a highly contested area with overlapping territorial claims from several countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. The Philippines has consistently asserted its rights over its EEZ, and the inclusion of the “West Philippine Sea” label on global platforms like Google Maps is seen as bolstering its position in the international community.​

The restoration of the label underscores the importance of accurate and consistent geographic representations in digital platforms, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical issues. It also highlights the role of technology companies in reflecting and respecting internationally recognized boundaries and designations.​

As of now, the “West Philippine Sea” label is visible on Google Maps, reaffirming the Philippines’ presence and claims in the region. Filipino officials and citizens alike view this as a reaffirmation of their sovereign rights and a step towards greater international recognition of the country's maritime entitlements