Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the meet and greet program with Filipino Community at Grand Hyatt Hotel Sunday afternoon in Jakarta Indonesia. Romualdez recognized the vital role played by Filipino community in Indonesia.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today said all Filipino should take pride in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his powerful and resolute keynote address at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
In his address, President Marcos Jr. articulated a firm commitment to defending every inch of the Philippines’ territory from any aggressor, while also emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes.
Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, lauded the President’s speech, highlighting its significance in the context of rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea
“President Marcos Jr.’s keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue is a testament to his strong leadership and his unwavering commitment to protecting our national sovereignty. Every Filipino should be proud of our President, who has shown the world that we are resolute in defending our territory while advocating for peace and diplomacy,” said Romualdez.
In his address, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to peace and the rule of law, tracing this commitment back to the country’s historical and legal foundations.
He reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the country’s maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The President’s reiteration of our legal and moral standing on the West Philippine Sea issue is a powerful message to the international community. It shows that our claims are based on international law, not on mere assertions,” Romualdez noted.
Romualdez highlighted the President’s firm resolve to defend the nation’s territory “to the last square inch, to the last square millimeter.”
“Our President has made it clear that the life-giving waters of the West Philippine Sea are integral to our nation’s identity and sovereignty. We will never allow anyone to detach it from our maritime domain,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez has consistently affirmed the full support of the House of Representatives for the President’s strategic initiatives meant to strengthen the country’s defense capability and uphold its sovereignty to allow our citizens to enjoy the blessings of our patrimony.
Recently, the House conducted a hearing in Masinloc, Zambalez to listen to the fisherfolks whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by increasingly aggressive actions of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia with the aim of providing the fisherfolk appropriate assistance.
Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez also noted that despite the strong stance on territorial defense, President Marcos Jr. also underscored the Philippines’ preference for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes.
“While we are determined to protect our territory, we also recognize the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes. This balanced approach demonstrates our commitment to regional and global peace,” Romualdez remarked.
“The President’s vision for a rules-based, people-centered regional community is crucial for maintaining stability and peace in our region. His call for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs reflects our commitment to multilateralism and collective security,” Romualdez stated.
