President Ferdinand Marcos Jr .’s mention of the West Philippine Sea and the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in his third State of the Nation Address drew cheers at the Batasang Pambasa Complex in Quezon City. The chief executive on Monday updated Filipinos on the country’s conditions and how his administration has been faring in his third year as its leader.
Marcos mentioned the two most anticipated topics after more than an hour into his speech, with some Pinoys calling it to attention before he talked about the issues. For the West Philippine Sea, the president said that it is not a figment of our imagination and stressed that “it is ours.” “In our international relations, we have faced challenges to our territorial sovereignty.
And we will assert our rights and interests in the same fare and pacific way that we have always done,” he said , earning applause from the audience. Marcos added that “proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms” would remain the “only acceptable means of settling disputes.” “Peace and community building will always be our clarion call,” he continued.
The president then mentioned that the Philippines “continuously” tries to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with its counterparts without compromising its positions and principles. “The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” he said.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin!�.