MANILA — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela on Monday hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity in defending the West Philippine Sea as the defining message of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it drew one of the strongest standing ovations inside the House of Representatives and underscored that the maritime dispute is a national cause beyond politics.
Tarriela said the President’s appeal for Filipinos to unite regardless of political differences stood out as the speech’s most powerful moment, stressing that protecting the country’s maritime rights is a responsibility owed to future generations.
“I may have my own biases, pero para sa akin, ito ang pinakamagandang parte ng kanyang talumpati, kung saan nakita natin ang malakas na palakpak, ang pagtayo ng mga nasa bulwagan ng Kongreso, at ang pinaka-powerful dito ‘yung panawagan niya na magkaisa tayo, regardless of our differences,” Tarriela said.
He said Marcos’ message emphasized that the West Philippine Sea issue transcends politics because it concerns the nation’s future.
“For me, that’s the most important part of the message, ‘yung panawagan ni Pangulong Marcos na bilang Pilipino, kailangan nating magkaisa, dahil ito ay isyu nating lahat na ipapamana sa susunod na salinlahi ng Pilipino,” he added.
Marcos ended his SONA by paying tribute to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fishermen who continue to carry out missions and livelihood activities in the country’s waters despite persistent threats.
The President said their courage reflects the country’s determination to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award affirming the Philippines’ maritime rights.
In his closing remarks, Marcos appealed for national solidarity in defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Manaig nawa ang pagkakaisa, at ang pagmamahal natin sa Inang Bayan at sa kapwa-Pilipino. Sa bagay na ito, hindi tayo magkaka-tunggali. Tayo ay magkakabigkis – tulad ng ating pinamalas sa ating buong kasaysayan,” Marcos said.
He also declared: “Sa mga pang-aalipusta, hindi tayo matitinag. Sa manlulupig, hindi tayo pasisiil.”
Tarriela also welcomed another key portion of the President’s speech defending the dignity of Filipinos, following the release of a China Daily video that depicted Filipinos as monkeys and sparked protests from the Philippine government.
“Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy, we are not racists, we are not liars,” Marcos said.
According to Tarriela, the President’s statement echoed the government’s firm position amid recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, including the controversial China Daily video and the latest water cannon attack on Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.
“I feel vindicated na ang mismong Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos mismo ang nagsabing kailangan nating tindigan ito bilang Pilipino,” he said./PN
