Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) signaled that the Philippines will maintain its firm stance in asserting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea Andres Centeno.
Speaking to reporters following the address at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 27, Centeno said the President delivered a “firm but measured” message that reinforces the country’s current maritime strategy.
“Very in a subtle way, but very emphatic. I think his concluding statement was meaningful, and I think that gives us really the inspiration and commitment to really continue what we’re doing right now,” Centeno said.
In one of the most forceful foreign policy segments of his speech, Marcos acknowledged that the nation faces growing challenges to its dignity and sovereignty, but vowed that the Philippines would not back down.
“Our unity and collective consciousness are challenged now greater than ever before. A common threat lies before us, directed against our dignity and self-respect,” Marcos said.
The President also pushed back against attempts to undermine the Filipino identity and character.
“Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars,” Marcos asserted.
He then delivered one of the address’s most applauded lines: “We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.”
Upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award
Reaffirming a cornerstone of his foreign policy, Marcos reiterated his administration’s full commitment to the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, calling it “final and binding” and a benchmark for interpreting and applying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“This is not a claim that we advance alone, nor is it one that we will abandon,” Marcos emphasized, promising to defend the ruling through peaceful and lawful avenues.
“Your government will do all that is necessary to continue upholding this award, utilizing every peaceful and legal means available to the Republic against any attempt, foreign or domestic, to undermine this achievement,” he added.
Marcos closed the West Philippine Sea portion of his address with a call for national solidarity against external pressures.
“Dahil tayo man ay magkakaiba sa maraming bagay, iisa lang tayong lahi. Tayong lahat ay Pilipino,” he said.
(Translation: “Though we may differ in many ways, we are one people. We are all Filipinos.”)
Concluding his foreign policy remarks, Marcos invoked lines echoing the national anthem, drawing a standing ovation from lawmakers: “Sa mga pang-aalipusta, hindi tayo matitinag. Sa manlulupig, hindi tayo pasisiil.”
(Translation: “In the face of insults, we will not be shaken. Before oppressors, we will not be subdued.”)
