PH on solid legal footing in WPS row, Marcos says

CITY OF PUERTO PRINCESA – The Philippines has "very strong" legal grounds for its claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed Sunday when he visited troops who were harassed by the China Coast Guard in the recent resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.

Speaking with some 80 soldiers at the Western Command (WesCom) in this Palawan province capital, Marcos reiterated his vows when he assumed the presidency that he would do everything to defend the country's territory.

"Since I became President, I have made it very, very clear that we will do everything that we need to do to defend our territory, to defend our sovereignty, and to allow our citizens to exercise their sovereign rights within the EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," he said.

"Iyan ang pinaka-importanteng – tuloy-tuloy na natin gawin. Matibay ang pinagtatayuan natin dahil ang batas (That's what is important. We will continue doing that. We have a strong ground because), the international law, is with us. We are on very solid international legal grounds on this," he added.

Marcos said the international community recognizes the Philippines' territory and EEZ "where we as Filipino citizens can exercise our sovereign rights."

The Philippines and China have been locked in a long-standing maritime dispute in the WPS, part of the vast South China Sea that Beijing claims entirely as its own.

However, a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidated China's claim and upheld the Philippines' rights on key features of the waterways, a decision Beijing has refused to recognize.

The President also acknowledged the commitment of the soldiers who exercised maximum restraint despite continued Chinese provocations.

He congratulated them for accomplishing the mission – defend the country's maritime domain and allow the citizens to exercise their sovereign rights within the EEZ of the Philippines without instigating a war.

"Maliwanag na maliwanag kahit gaano kahirap, kahit gaano kabigat ang trabaho na ibinibigay sa inyo ay mission accomplished pa rin kayo (It's clear that no matter how hard it is, no matter how heavy the work that is given to you, you still accomplish the mission) every time that you go out," he said.

The restraint shown by the Filipino soldiers in what many described as the most violent Chinese harassment to date drew commendation from various quarters, including the private sector.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed gratitude for the unwavering support expressed by Philippine business groups, like the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines.

"Your recognition of our dedication and sacrifice fuels us to continue serving our nation with pride and honor," the military said. "The AFP's role extends beyond defense, as we safeguard an environment where every Filipino can thrive, regardless of background, and contribute to a nation built on the rule of law and justice."

The two business groups deplored the continued harassment of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard and called for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing threats to national sovereignty and security. (PNA)