“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang isip lamang.”

This was the declaration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his third State of the Nation Address on Monday as he paid tribute to fisherfolk, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for their patriotism and fortitude amidst the territorial infringements by a foreign power in the disputed sea.

“Sa buong Sandatahang Lakas, sa Coast Guard, at sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea: Tanggapin po ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa dahil sa inyong ginagawang pagmamatyag at sakripisyo.” the President said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa.

The President asserted that the West Philippine Sea is not a figment of one’s imagination.

“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas,” he said.

In his applauded address, the President said the Philippines will assert its 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,” he added.

The President also said peace and community-building will always be “our clarion call, especially when the country is set to serve as chair and host of the 2026 ASEAN Summit in 2026.”

According to the President, the Philippines will continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with its counterparts, without compromising the country’s position and principles.

“I know that our neighbors too are doing their best to make this work,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” the President declared.PND