West Philippine Sea label, di na makita sa Google Maps

- The “West Philippine Sea” label has disappeared from Google Maps after being visible for a couple of weeks

- Reversing recent prominence, the label's absence sparked renewed discussion

- When Google Maps placed the label prominently on the platform weeks ago, the Philippine welcomed it as recognition of the country’s sovereignty in the area

- No official explanation given for the fluctuating display of the contested area's name

The West Philippine Sea label has once again vanished from Google Maps, sparking renewed discussion about the contested waters and the digital representation of geopolitical realities.

This disappearance comes just weeks after the label was made more prominent on the platform, a move that was initially welcomed in the Philippines as a recognition of its sovereign rights.

The “West Philippine Sea” refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago that fall within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Former President Benigno Aquino III officially designated the area as the West Philippine Sea in 2012, aiming to assert the Philippines’ claim amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region.

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Google’s decision to initially make the label more visible was seen by many Filipinos as a victory, with some officials hailing it as a growing global acknowledgment of the Philippines’ rights, citing the 2016 Hague ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) even stated that it reflected a growing acceptance of the Philippines’ rights over the waters.

However, this recent removal has caused concern. As of April 30, 2025, the label is no longer visible on the main map view.

While it can still be found as a pin when directly searched on the mobile app, it is absent when searching the region on a laptop. This inconsistency has led to speculation about the reasons behind the change.

Google had previously stated that the label was always present but made “easier to see at additional zoom levels.”

The sudden disappearance raises questions about whether external pressures or internal policy shifts influenced this decision.

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Social media reactions reflect a mix of confusion and disappointment, with some users expressing concern about potential censorship or undue influence.

The ongoing dispute over the South China Sea, where China asserts its claim over almost the entire area, adds complexity to this issue.

The presence or absence of the “West Philippine Sea” label on a widely used platform like Google Maps carries symbolic weight, representing the different perspectives on the territorial claims.

Google has not yet released an official statement explaining the reason for the label’s removal. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the issue develops.

The fluctuating visibility of the “West Philippine Sea” label underscores the delicate balance tech companies must strike when navigating geopolitical sensitivities in their digital representations of the world.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

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In other news, Erwin Solis, 27, the suspect in the killing of an 11-year-old girl in Davao De Oro was arrested and has admitted to the crime. He is no other than the live-in partner of the aunt of the victim. Based on the report of Frontline, the mother of the victim, and the suspect, have long been arguing about throwing trash, and the suspect was said to have gotten angry at the mother of the victim. The victim said that he had killed the victim, but he did not molest her, and that he could not do such a thing

Still in other news, a suspect in the abuse of a minor was arrested by the police in Valenzuela City. According to the charge, the suspect repeatedly had carnal knowledge of the girl in 2020 when she was only 16 years old. The suspect, in a quick interview, alleged that the victim was a willing participant. Presently, the suspect is detained at the custodial facility of the Valenzuela City Police Station.

Source: KAMI.com.gh