By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared on Monday (March 4, 2024) that safeguarding Philippine territory and sovereignty is his paramount responsibility.
This assertion came in response to questions about the significance of the West Philippine Sea issue and his firm stance against China’s provocations.
“I took an oath, and in that oath, I pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. The first article of our Constitution defines our territory, both maritime and otherwise,” Marcos stated during a question-and-answer session at the Lowy Institute event in Melbourne, Australia.
“Our territory has been recognized as sovereign Philippine territory. Therefore, upon assuming office, it was clear to me that we had no option but to defend the republic’s territory. This is a fundamental duty of leadership,” he emphasized.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines has adopted a firm stance because it cannot permit unilateral decisions by foreign powers to alter or redefine its territorial boundaries.
He pledged to maintain this stance, asserting that the Philippines’ territorial integrity cannot be compromised. “If threats emerge, we must defend against them,” he affirmed.
“This wasn’t a matter of policy preference; it’s the duty I embraced upon assuming office, and I continue to perceive it as such. I believe every Filipino shares this view,” the President remarked.
“Filipinos depend on and expect their leaders to fulfill this duty, to remain faithful to their oath, and to defend the republic, its territory, and its people,” he concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
