Google quietly drops ‘West Philippine Sea’ label in maps

As of April 30, the label “West Philippine Sea” appears to have been removed from Google Maps, particularly in the western portion of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This comes just weeks after local media reported the label’s presence on the digital mapping platform.

A quick search on the Google mobile app still produces a pin labeled “West Philippine Sea,” but only when the term is entered directly. On the desktop version, however, neither the label nor the pin appears when browsing the area near the South China Sea.

West Philippine Sea Designation Rooted in Aquino-Era Policy

The naming of the region traces back to the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, who, in 2012, signed an administrative order officially designating the western section of the EEZ as the West Philippine Sea. The move aimed to reinforce the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the area amid ongoing tensions with China.

According to earlier reports, Aquino also instructed the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to create and disseminate official charts and maps displaying the updated name.

China has maintained its sweeping claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, including large parts of the West Philippine Sea—an assertion the Philippines has repeatedly challenged. In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of Manila, rejecting Beijing’s expansive claims. However, China has refused to recognize the ruling and continues to assert control over the disputed waters.

Image: Screenshot on mobile