'West Philippine Sea' label back on Google Maps after tech issue

MANILA — Google on Thursday said the "West Philippine Sea" label on its global mapping platform is back.

"The WPS label is back on [Google] Maps... The label was temporarily missing due to a technical issue. it's now back on Maps," a Google spokesperson said.

On Wednesday, a quick search on the Google app showed that the WPS label was not visible on the western section of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The “West Philippine Sea” only appears as a Google Map pin on the app.

It was only last month that Google implemented a change to its Googe Maps information, making the “West Philippine Sea” easier to see on the global mapping platform.

Philippine government officials have thanked the private companies using the term “West Philippine Sea,” adding that it is critical in upholding international law and rules-based international order.

A security analyst said the presence of the “West Philippine Sea” on Google Maps is proof that the international community recognizes the Philippines’ territorial claims in the area.