Romualdez to world lawmakers: PH will defend WPS via international law

Philippine News Agency

INTERNATIONAL LAW. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez delivers a special address before the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) in Madrid, Spain on Thursday (May 22, 2025). Romualdez told the world’s lawmakers that the Philippines will defend its sovereign rights through the force of international law and the unity of democratic nations. (Photo courtesy of Romualdez’s office)

MANILA – Amid escalating Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez told the world’s lawmakers in Madrid, Spain that the Philippines will defend its sovereign rights through the force of international law and the unity of democratic nations.

Speaking at the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) Thursday (Manila time), Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award that categorically recognized the country’s sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and rejected China’s sweeping maritime claims.

“Let me be clear: the Philippines remains steadfast in protecting our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea by upholding international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award,” Romualdez was quoted as saying in a press release on Friday.

“We categorically reject attempts to undermine our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction through coercion or disinformation.”

Romualdez’s remarks came amid reports a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship fired water cannon and sideswiped a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel in Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) in the West Philippine Sea where it was conducting a marine scientific research initiative.

CCG vessels had also used water cannons against Philippine supply boats in several previous incidents, conducted dangerous blocking maneuvers near Ayungin Shoal, and swarmed Escoda (Sabina) Shoal — actions widely condemned by Philippine officials and international observers as violations of international maritime norms.

“These are not isolated incidents. This is not just a regional issue. It is a global test of whether the rule of law will prevail over brute force,” Romualdez said.

He said the Philippines will “never surrender its rights nor fall silent” in the face of unlawful intimidation, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a foreign policy based on peace, justice, and mutual respect.

“Our approach is anchored on legal clarity, diplomatic dialogue, leveraging partnerships, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We will not allow foreign narratives to distort the truth on the ground. Nor will we permit coercive actions to dictate our national destiny,” he added.

Romualdez called on democracies and rules-based nations to remain vigilant and united against gray-zone tactics, cyber-enabled propaganda, and the creeping erosion of maritime law and order.

He also tied the maritime security issue to broader global concerns, warning of the cascading risks posed by unregulated technology, weaponized information, and hybrid threats that test the agility of nations and the resilience of governance.

Hosted by the Spanish Senate and chaired by former U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger, the 29th PI-SF convened over 40 nations to align strategies on countering global threats.

Romualdez’s participation further elevated the Philippines’ position as a frontline voice in the defense of international law and Indo-Pacific stability.

He closed his message with a firm call for collective resolve.

“Let us move forward –united in purpose, resolute in action, and inspired by our common vision of peace, stability, and global cooperation.”