Marcos Vows to Defend Philippine Maritime Rights Peacefully and Lawfully

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used National Heroes’ Day to renew his pledge to defend the Philippines’ maritime rights, while insisting that the country’s approach would remain peaceful and lawful.

Speaking at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Marcos praised the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Filipino fishers for protecting national interests in the West Philippine Sea.

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I reaffirmed that our duty to the people extends to protecting the country’s interests, upholding the rule of law, and securing the resources upon which our communities depend.

He linked the message to the 10th anniversary of the 2016 ruling, which upheld Philippine sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration found that China’s broad South China Sea claims, based on the so-called nine-dash line, had no legal basis. Beijing has rejected the ruling.

“I reaffirmed that our duty to the people extends to protecting the country’s interests, upholding the rule of law, and securing the resources upon which our communities depend,” Marcos said. He added in Filipino, “We will fight for our rights in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the law and our principles.”

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We will fight for our rights in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the law and our principles.

Marcos said protecting maritime interests was a responsibility shared by the entire nation. He urged the public to learn the country’s history and the origins of its maritime rights, while calling for truth, resistance to disinformation and responsible discussion. He also said Filipino fishers deserved unconditional support because their continued presence in Philippine waters reinforced the country’s connection to its maritime territory.

The president broadened his tribute to include health workers, firefighters, police officers, soldiers, teachers, emergency responders and overseas Filipino workers, describing them as among the many people who sacrifice, serve and help others.

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We begin by educating the youth on where our maritime rights come from and why they matter. Across every platform available to us, we shall champion truth, counter disinformation, and encourage responsible discourse.