President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly asserted the country's right in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
While diplomatic channels are being pursued in the contested WPS to maintain peace with neighboring countries, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines must stand firm without wavering.
"Ang WPS ay hindi lamang kathang-isip, ito ay atin at mananatiling atin habang nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas," said the President during his address at Batasang Pambansa Complex.
(The WPS is not just a fantasy, it is ours and it will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved country Philippines burns.)
"Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kalamangan ng buong bansa at titiyakin na maipapaasa natin ito sa kabataan at ating sususnod na salinlahi"
(We will strengthen and grow the awareness and advantage of the whole country and make sure that we can pass it on to the youth and our next generation).
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive acknowledged the dedication of the country's defenders and fishermen.
"Sa buong Sandatahang Lakas, sa Coast Guard, at sa ating mga minamahal na mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea, tanggapin po ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa sa inyong pagmamatyag at sakripisyo."
It is noteworthy that China has been implementing a de facto exclusionary policy, involving the harassment and obstruction of Philippine vessels within the Southeast Asian nation's lawful Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
