Metro Manila, Philippines – Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said that President Bongbong Marcos Jr. supports Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Jay Tarriela amid an alleged “smear campaign” by the Chinese Embassy over the WPS dispute.
In a press briefing on Monday, Jan. 26, Castro said President Marcos will never surrender any part of the country’s territory.
“Unang una po, ang pangulo po, siya po ang nagsabi na hindi po niya isu-surrender even an inch of our territory,” Castro said.
[Translation: First of all, the President himself has said that he will not surrender even an inch of our territory.]
“[Kung] ano man po ang ginagawa ng ating mga ahensya upang ipaglaban ang interes ng ating bansa, iyan po ang nais ng pangulo at iyan din po ang utos ng pangulo,” Castro added.
[Translation: Whatever our agencies are doing to fight for the interests of our country, that is what the President wants, and that is also his directive.]
Castro further assured the public that while President Marcos seeks to protect the country’s interests, diplomacy with other nations will be upheld.
“Mananatili pa rin po na diplomasya ang kailangan, para kung mayroon mang issues sa ibang bansa, maaayos po,” Castro explained.
[Translation: Diplomacy will still be maintained so that any issues with other countries can be properly addressed.]
