PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday called on Filipinos to help defend the country’s maritime rights and national interests, saying the Philippines would continue asserting its claims peacefully and in accordance with international law.
“We will defend our rights in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the law and our principles,” he said during National Heroes’ Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. “But defending our territory is a responsibility shared by the entire nation.”
Mr. Marcos urged Filipinos to understand the country’s history and maritime rights and take part in protecting national interests, saying education is key to boosting support for the Philippines’ position in the South China Sea.
“We begin by educating the youth on where our maritime rights come from and why they matter,” he said at the livestreamed event.
The President cited the 2016 arbitral award, which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
His remarks come as tensions between Manila and Beijing persist over disputed features in the South China Sea, including encounters involving Philippine and Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal and Chinese military activity in the area.
Despite the disputes, the Philippines and China have continued diplomatic engagement, including talks on a proposed South China Sea code of conduct and possible cooperation in oil and gas development.
Mr. Marcos also called for stronger efforts against disinformation, saying the government should use every available platform to promote truth and responsible public discourse.
He said Filipino fisherfolk should receive support because their continued presence in Philippine waters helps reinforce the country’s connection to its maritime claims.
Mr. Marcos also linked national security to effective governance, saying Filipinos should demand transparency, accountability and better public service from government institutions.
“The strength of our resolve as a nation begins with the depth of our knowledge and the strength of our unity as one people,” he said.
The President used the occasion to recognize overseas Filipino workers, firefighters, police officers, soldiers, emergency responders, teachers, healthcare workers and parents for their contributions to the country.
He also cited the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Filipino fisherfolk for helping protect the country’s rights, livelihoods and interests in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippines is worth fighting for,” Mr. Marcos said. “Every Filipino is worth serving. Our sovereignty is worth defending.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking