President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored that the Philippines’ sovereignty is ‘non-negotiable’, even as the country works to strengthen ties with its neighbors.

Speaking at the first Manila Strategy Forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Marcos said Manila remains open to dialogue but firm in defending its sovereign rights.

“Respect for our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction is, and has always been and will always be, non-negotiable,” he declared.

The President warned that the Indo-Pacific faces “the most significant threat to the peace and stability we strive for,” citing persistent harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and government vessels in the South China Sea.

Marcos also reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines’ alliance with the United States, calling it “a beacon of stability” amid global uncertainty.

He acknowledged Washington’s global challenges in Ukraine and the Middle East but expressed confidence that the US would remain committed to the Indo-Pacific.

The forum was attended by senior Philippine and US officials, including Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.