Malacañang expressed confidence on Wednesday that patriotic government officials will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“Ang bawat Pilipino — ang tunay na Pilipino — at mga Pilipino na pro-Philippines, hindi nila ito mapapatahimik at hindi nila ito mapagbabawalan na ipagtanggol anuman ang karapatan natin sa ating bansa at sa ating mga maritime rights,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

In a press briefing, Castro recalled an earlier statement from the President in which he said he would not give away even an inch of Philippine territory.

“Ang sabi nga ng Pangulo, we will not yield even an inch of our territory to a foreign power,” Castro said.

Castro made the remarks in response to a question on whether China’s position on former Senator Francis Tolentino—who has been vocal about the country’s position on territorial issues—could have a “chilling effect” on Philippine government officials.

On Monday, Beijing announced a travel ban on Tolentino, prohibiting him from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his “egregious conduct on China-related issues.”

Tolentino is the principal author of Senate Bill No. 2492 which eventually became Republic Act No. 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, signed by President Marcos on November 7, 2024. | PND