The Philippines will not give in or hesitate in claiming its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said.
Marcos says PH 'cannot give in, can falter' on Western PH Sea despite supply deal with China | ANC
“In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and peaceful manner as we have always done. The appropriate diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means to resolve disputes,” the Chief Executive said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday (July 22).
Marcos also stressed that peace and community building are always the vision of the Philippines, especially as the country will chair and host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
He also stressed that the Philippines will find ways to defuse tensions in the disputed areas with other claimant countries without compromising the country's position and principles.
