MANILA – Speaking before Australia’s parliament, President Marcos reiterated to an international audience that the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to not cede any portion of its territory to foreign powers.
“I shall never tire of repeating the declaration that I made from the first day that I took office: I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory,” Marcos said in his speech delivered before the Parliament of Australia on Thursday, Feb. 29.
He made this statement while discussing the Philippines’ position as being at the forefront in safeguarding against actions that destabilize regional peace, undermine stability, and jeopardize regional prosperity.
“Then as now, we remain firm in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, our jurisdiction,” he said.
“The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield,” he added.
Stressing the importance of safeguarding the South China Sea as a “vital, critical global artery” essential for regional and global peace, he urged Australia to collaborate in addressing the challenges confronting the region.
“Just as we fought to build our rules-based international order, so are we now fighting to protect it,” Marcos said.
“The protection of the South China Sea as a vital, critical global artery is crucial to the preservation of regional peace and, I daresay, of global peace,” he added.
The President emphasized the importance of mutual reinforcement of strengths between the two countries and preserving the peace achieved through wartime efforts. He emphasized the necessity of opposing actions that undermine the rule of law.
Highlighting the Philippines’ reliance on Australia and the international community’s consistent support for the lawful exercise of its rights, as established by international law, the President underscored the shared interest between Australia and the Philippines in keeping the seas open and ensuring unhindered passage and freedom of navigation.
“Today, that peace, that stability, and our continued success, have come under threat. Once again, we must come together as partners to face the common challenges confronting the region,” Marcos said.
“Not one single country can do this by itself. No single force alone can counter them by themselves. This is why our Strategic Partnership has grown more important than ever,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the Australian government for standing alongside the Philippines in defending the “unified and universal character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the constitution of the oceans.”
