
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday asserted the need to maintain all-diplomatic means in settling disputes amidst several challenges to the country’s territorial sovereignty.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President said peace and community-building will always be maintained, especially with the recent designation of the Philippines as the host of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.
“[In our international relations, we have faced] challenges to our territorial sovereignty, [and] we will assert our 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,” President Marcos said.
“Peace and community-building will always be our clarion call, especially when the country serves as chair and the host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026,” he stressed.
The President also noted his administration’s focus on de-escalating tensions in contested areas without compromising the nation’s position and principles, saying neighboring countries have done the same.
“We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and our principles. I know that our neighbors too are doing their very best to make this work,” he said.
The President further pointed out that in his administration, the Philippines cannot yield, nor waver, as we are now more conscious and strategic in heightening aerial and maritime domain awareness while continuously boosting our defense posture.
“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver. We are now more conscious as a people, and strategic in heightening our aerial and maritime domain awareness. We are continuing to strengthen our defensive posture, both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states,” he stressed.
Zeroing in on the West Philippine Sea, the President vowed to pass on to the next generation our territorial rights, calling it an “intergenerational mandate” that has been forged through laws on Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas,” the President said.
“Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyakin na maipapasa natin ito sa ating kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi,” he said.
“Laws on our Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes will make sure that this intergenerational mandate — this duty — will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of our people.”
President Marcos also expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea for their fortitude and patriotism.
“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.” PND