MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on National Heroes’ Day, reasserted the Philippines’ maritime rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award and vowed to defend these in a peaceful and lawful manner.
In his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos praised members of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, who, together with the fisherfolk, are at the forefront of protecting national interests in the West Philippine Sea.
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“In my recent State of the Nation Address, 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 said.
Marcos said this was timely as the Philippines commemorated the 10th anniversary this year of the ruling, which upheld the country’s sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Ipaglalaban natin ang ating mga karapatan sa paraang mapayapa, naaayon sa batas, at naaayon sa ating mga prinsipyo,” Marcos added.
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(We will fight for our rights in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the law and our principles.)
The landmark ruling at the Permanent Court of Arbitration declared that China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, based on its so-called nine-dash line, had no legal basis. Beijing has refused to acknowledge the ruling.
Marcos, however, noted that pushing the country’s maritime rights is a responsibility shared by the entire nation.
The President urged the public to understand the country’s history, know its maritime rights, and take part in protecting national interests.
“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,” he said.
“Our fisherfolk, too, deserve our unconditional support. Their continued presence in our waters strengthens our connection to our maritime territory,” the President also said.
Marcos also put the spotlight on healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, soldiers, teachers, and emergency responders who aid Filipinos in times of need.
He likewise recognized the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers who work away from their families to provide a better life for their loved ones.
“Ilan lamang sila sa maraming mukha ng kabayanihan sa ating panahon. Sapagkat sa iba’t ibang paraan at sa bawat pagkakataon, may mga Pilipinong patuloy na nagsasakripisyo, naglilingkod, at gumagawa ng kabutihan para sa kapwa, para sa bayan,” Marcos said.
(They are just some of the many faces of heroism in our time. In different ways and at every opportunity, there are Filipinos who continue to make sacrifices, serve others, and do good for their fellow Filipinos and for the nation.)
Marcos further told the public of their duty to uphold the integrity of institutions by demanding “transparency, accountability, and a standard of service worthy of the Filipino people.”
“Magkakaiba man ang ating pamamaraan, iisa ang mensahe ng mga ito: Ang Pilipinas ay karapat-dapat na ipaglaban. Ang bawat Pilipino ay karapat-dapat na paglingkuran. Ang ating soberanya ay karapat-dapat na ipagtanggol,” he said.
(Though our ways may differ, they carry one message: The Philippines is worth fighting for. Every Filipino deserves to be served. Our sovereignty is worth defending.)
“Ganito natin binibigyan ng mukha ang kabayanihan sa ating panahon: sa pagkilala sa ating bayan, sa pagtataguyod sa mga karapatan nito, at sa paggawa ng ating responsibilidad upang manatiling matatag, malaya, at nagkakaisa ang Pilipinas,” he added.
(This is how we give meaning to heroism in our time: by recognizing our nation, upholding its rights, and fulfilling our responsibilities to keep the Philippines strong, free, and united.) /mr
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