MARCOS VOWS UNYIELDING DEFENSE OF PH SOVEREIGNTY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed that the Philippines will never back down in defending its territory, asserting a firm stance on sovereignty amid continuing regional tensions.

- By ARGYLL GEDUCOS

In his speech at the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign rally in Mandaluyong City on Friday, May 9, the President emphasized that national security and territorial defense remain his administration's top priorities.

"Kung pag-uusapan natin ang pagtatanggol sa ating karapatan, hayaan ninyong sabihin ko ito nang buong-buo: Kailanman, hindi tayo uurong sa pagtatanggol sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas," he said. "Hindi po. Ang Pinoy po hindi umaatras, hindi po tayo aatras," he added.

Marcos said that asserting the country’s rights is a duty of a free and sovereign state.

“Bilang isang malayang bansa, dapat nating panindigan ang ating mga karapatan dahil," he said. "Maliwanag na maliwanag na ang Pilipino lamang ang dapat na makinabang sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas at 'yan po ay ipaglalaban po natin,” he added.

The President reiterated that the Philippines is not seeking conflict, but officials are bound by their constitutional oath to protect the nation.