Marcos' WPS Stance Bolsters AFP's Mandate to Defend Sovereignty

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s firm stance on the West Philippine Sea in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) reinforces the military’s mandate to defend the country’s sovereignty. In a Super Radyo dzBB report, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said during a press briefing the President’s remarks were more than just a policy statement, saying these strengthened the AFP as it continues to carry out its mandate of protecting the country’s sovereignty. Paninindigan ni Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Junior sa West Philippine Sea, malaking bagay para sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). | via @MMakalalad pic.twitter.com/cunnrUMgpY Padilla added Marcos had laid out a clear direction that the military would continue to follow. In his fifth SONA on Monday, Marcos vowed that the Philippines would continue to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful and legal means. “We will not surrender. We will not waver. The Philippines is ours,” Marcos said, adding that the country would continue to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. “Sa usaping ito, hindi tayo nagpapaapi. Hindi tayo sumusuko.” (On this matter, we will not allow ourselves to be oppressed. We will not surrender.) The President also said the Philippines would continue to defend its territory while pursuing peace and adhering to international law. —RF, GMA News