MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance on safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, declaring he will not allow any foreign force to seize even a fraction of Philippine territory.
In the latest episode of his podcast aired Saturday, Marcos emphasized his resolve to protect the country’s sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid growing tensions in the region.
“We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic. We continue to defend the territory of the Republic. And we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic,” Marcos said.
“Ipaglalaban talaga namin iyan because kung ibigay mo iyan like they say, you give them an inch, they take a mile. So, you cannot allow it even the one inch,” he added.
The President stressed that while the country does not seek conflict, it would not tolerate intimidation, especially against Filipino fisherfolk operating within Philippine maritime zones.
“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-away pero huwag niyong binabangga ‘yung mga mangingisda, ‘di ba? Huwag niyo kaming hinaharang sa teritoryo namin,” he said.
As part of efforts to bolster maritime security and assert jurisdiction over its waters, Marcos signed two landmark laws on November 8, 2024: Republic Act (RA) 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and RA 12065, or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
RA 12064 formally delineates the country’s maritime zones—including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf—providing the legal framework for asserting rights and pursuing activities within these zones.
Meanwhile, RA 12065 identifies specific sea lanes and air routes for foreign ships and aircraft to ensure safe and regulated passage through or over Philippine archipelagic waters and adjacent seas, preventing arbitrary international transit./PN
