Administration won’t allow disrespect of sovereignty - Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines - Amid growing tensions in the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s firm resolve to protect the country’s territory and maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

“We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty,” Marcos declared during the 127th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy in Subic, Zambales.

The president condemned foreign intrusions and maintained that the country will assert its lawful maritime rights.

“We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law,” he said.

“Wala tayong isusuko, wala tayong papabayaan,” he added.

[Translation: We will not surrender anything, we will not neglect anything]

He noted the country’s commitment to peaceful engagement, and that the Philippines will act as a responsible member of the global community by adhering to diplomatic principles and established international norms.

Marcos pointed to the military’s active participation in multinational exercises such as Balikatan, Sama Sama, Rim of the Pacific, and the Multilateral Naval Exercise Kakadu as part of the country's continued defense cooperation.

He also highlighted staff-level talks with various nations and the recent hosting of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security to foster collaboration and regional peace.

“All of these efforts reflect our dedication to fostering cooperation and ensuring peace—both within our borders and throughout the region,” he said.

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ rights within its exclusive economic zone. Beijing has rejected the ruling.