President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday asserted Philippines’ rights in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea, reiterating that it belongs to the Filipino people.

In a speech during his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, President Marcos said the government is committed to following the rules-based international order in resolving conflict.

“We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and our principles,” he said.

Marcos emphasized that the country “cannot yield” and “cannot waiver” as it works with its neighboring nations amid the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

“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 mahal na bansang Pilipinas,” he said.

“Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa, at titiyaking mai-papasa natin ito sa ating kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi,” he added.

In line with this, the Chief Executive noted the continuous strengthening of the country’s defense posture, both by self-reliance and collaborations with “like-minded” nations as well as the laws on maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes.

Marcos also commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the fisherfolk for protecting the region.

”Sa ating buong Sandatahang Lakas, sa Coast Guard, at sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea, tanggapin ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa, dahil sa inyong ginagawang pagmamatyag at sakripisyo,” he said. – avds