Marcos to China: 'We are Filipinos and we do not yield'

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a strong message to China during his fifth State of the Nation (SONA) address on Monday, July 27, 2026, stating, “We are Filipinos and we do not yield.” “Sa mga pang-aalipusta, ‘di tayo matitinag; sa mga manlulupig, ‘di tayo pasisiil (We will not be swayed by insults; we will not give in to oppressors),” Marcos declared. This statement is understood to be in response to escalating assertiveness by China in the West Philippine Sea, including documented incidents of Chinese Coast Guard vessels using water cannons against Philippine ships. The President reiterated the country's commitment to pursuing the full enforcement of the 2016 Arbitral Award through legal and peaceful means. He emphasized that the award, which marked its 10th anniversary on July 12, serves as the “definite benchmark for the interpretation and application of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” “This is not a claim that we advance alone nor is it one that we will abandon. Your government will do all that is necessary to continue upholding this award, utilizing every peaceful and legal means available to the Republic against any attempt, foreign or domestic, to undermine this achievement,” he stated. This indicates the Philippines' firm resolve to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea based on international law. Marcos also addressed the recent racist AI-generated video by China Daily, which featured a monkey in a Filipino shirt, calling it an “assault against Filipinos’ dignity and self-respect.” He asserted, “Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and a great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful. And we are dignified,” drawing applause from legislators and guests. The video had previously drawn sharp rebuke from the President and Filipino netizens, prompting the Chinese Ambassador to issue a statement distancing the Chinese government from the state-run media's production. Despite such provocations, Marcos lauded the Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, and fisher folk for embodying the spirit and letter of the Arbitral Award by patrolling and plying the West Philippine Sea, even in the face of great risk. Source: MindaNews Philippines (GN)