Marcos vows to defend sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea

By Manuel Mogato | Date 07-25-2024

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr promised to assert the country’s rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea in the face of increasing coercive actions by its powerful northern neighbor.

However, the president also promised to find ways to de-escalate tensions and use diplomatic channels to settle maritime disputes with neighboring states, including China.

“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang,” Marcos told a joint session of Congress during his third State of the Nation Address. “Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas.”

(The West Philippine Sea does not only exist in our imagination. The West Philippine Sea is ours. It will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved Philippines burns)

Marcos continued: “The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver.”

Marcos said the Philippines will assert its rights and interests in the disputed waters in the face of challenges to its territorial sovereignty. (Also read: Philippines, China reach deal to ease tension in Ayungin Shoal)

China claims almost the entire South China Sea based on its historical nine-dash-line policy, rejecting a 2016 arbitral ruling that nullified its claim and declaring its presence and activities in Philippine maritime zones as illegal.

(Also read: Brawner lays down rules of engagement in the West Philippine Sea)

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have conflicting claims on the strategic waters.

“Peace and community-building will always be our clarion call, especially when the country serves as chair and hosts the ASEAN Summit in 2026,” he said, one of the most applauded remarks he made in the one hour and thirty minutes speech.

He also got a standing ovation for standing up to Philippine interests in the South China Sea dispute.

“Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes.

We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts without compromising our position and our principles. I know our neighbors are doing their best to make this work.”

Marcos, who is also commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, also vowed to boost the country’s military capabilities to deter external aggression. (Also read: Philippines adopts new defense strategy to protect maritime borders)

“We are now more conscious as a people, and strategic in heightening our aerial and maritime domain awareness,” Marcos said. 

“We are continuing to strengthen our defense posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states.”

He thanked the Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and the Filipino fishermen for their vigilance and sacrifices in defending the Philippines’ interest in the West Philippine Sea.