Marcos: PH won’t yield, waver on asserting West PH Sea rights

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

FILE: JOINT SAIL. The Philippine Navy missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa conduct a bilateral sail activity in an undisclosed location in the West Philippine Sea in this Sept. 21, 2023 photo. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his third SONA on Monday (July 22, 2024) said Manila will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command via PNA)

MANILA – The Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday.

“In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done. Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes,” the Chief Executive said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa.

Marcos also emphasized that peace and community-building are always the Philippines’ way, especially since the country would be the chair and host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

He also stressed the Philippines would find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with other claimant nations without compromising the country’s position and principles.

With more Filipinos realizing the need to secure and defend its vast territories, Marcos said the government would continue beefing up its defenses and engage with like-minded states to improve its security.

“We are now more conscious as a people and strategic in heightening our aerial and maritime domain awareness. We are continuing to strengthen our defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states,” he noted.

The WPS is a real part of the country’s patrimony, the President stressed.

“Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas. Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyaking maipapasa natin ito sa ating kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi. (This is ours. And it will remain ours as long as our love for our country, the Philippines, remains ablaze. We will strengthen our nation’s consciousness and knowledge over this territory and we will see to it that it is passed down to our youths and the next generation),” he added.

Marcos said Philippine laws on its maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes would make sure that this intergenerational mandate would take root in the hearts and minds of our people.

In this regard, the President expressed his thanks, along with those of the nation, to the Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and Filipino fisherfolks who continue to go about their lawful mandate in the WPS.

He added that this gratitude was only fitting for the sacrifices they made while standing guard over this vital waterway.

Fighting insurgency

Marcos also noted the elimination of active guerilla fronts due to the ongoing efforts by the military and government to ensure that the New People’s Army (NPA) was neutralized decisively.

“We have come a long way in our quest for a lasting and inclusive peace.

No guerilla fronts remain active across the country today. Only seven weakened groups remain to be dismantled, and they are the subject of focused operations,” he added.

Along with the assertion of government might, Marcos said they were offering peace, community development, and reintegration programs for those who have returned to the fold of the law.

“Through a comprehensive and transformative approach, we have rebuilt not only lives but also conflict-affected communities,” he added.

The peace agreement is now in its concluding phase, the President said.

“Former combatants now live peaceful and productive lives in their respective communities. Some of our former rebels are now absorbed into the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) serving in the defense of our Republic; while others are now part of the PNP BARMM (Philippine National Police Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)” he added.

Marcos said the government would honor and fully comply with its remaining deliverables and commitments under these peace agreements.

“In November last year, we signed proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels. A month later, and then in June of this year, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued their respective resolutions concurring with these amnesty proclamations,” Marcos noted.

Congressional support for these initiatives is a testament to the whole nation’s sincere desire for peace, the President said.

Laudable

As this developed, 50-year-old Mike Dela Cruz, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila, and a native of Ilocos Sur, expressed his support to the Chief Executive’s ongoing programs.

Dela Cruz was spotted carrying a bobblehead of the President during the “Tunog ng Bagong Pilipinas” concert in front of the Sandiganbayan and Commission on Audit at Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

He lauded Marcos’ governance for the past three years and expressed that he and all his family are supporters of the President. Dela Cruz also expressed hope that the Chief Executive could help curb the prices of goods in the market in the coming days.

His views were shared by Jover Dailo, 35, a barbecue vendor residing in Makati City, who also expressed hope that the President will be able to find a remedy against high prices of goods.

He lauded Marcos for ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving the Philippines’ competitiveness. (with reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)