Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday night reiterated that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines, and that defending it is a matter of national survival.
The leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives made the assertion in remarks during his promotion and donning of his rank as an Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ceremony was attended by Coast Guard officials led by Admiral Ronnie Gavan and Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.
“Hindi tayo papayag na maging dehado sa sarili nating dagat. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa sariling teritoryo. The West Philippine Sea is not just a political issue; it is a national cause, a matter of survival, dignity, and sovereignty,” Speaker Romualdez told his PCG audience.
He said the Coast Guard has been the country’s first line of defense in the face of aggression, intimidation, and illegal incursions by foreign vessels.
“Habang may PCG na nagbabantay, hindi kailanman magiging pag-aari ng ibang bansa ang ating karagatan! Your bravery, your discipline, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our maritime territory define the true essence of patriotism,” he said.
He said as Speaker, he has always championed the cause of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“In the halls of Congress, we work to ensure that the policies we craft strengthen our maritime defense, support our uniformed personnel, and assert our rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
“But beyond legislation, I believe that leadership must also be personal. It must be about standing with those who serve on the frontline: our Coast Guard, our Navy, our fisherfolk who brave the waters every day, knowing that our seas are not just waters; they are our birthright, our lifeline, our future,” the House leader stressed.
Speaker Romualdez thanked the Coast Guard for his promotion to its Auxiliary branch.
“My donning of this rank is more than ceremonial. It is a statement of solidarity, of commitment, of resolve. This is my way of saying that I am with you, that I share in your mission, that I will use every platform available to me to ensure that our maritime forces, whether uniformed or auxiliary, have the resources, the recognition, and the respect they deserve,” he said.
“Isa lang po ang tinitiyak ko sa inyo. Kasama ninyo ako sa laban na ito. Hindi lang sa salita, kundi sa gawa,” he said.
He said he carries with pride his new rank as an officer of the PCG Auxiliary.
“More than an honorary title, this promotion is a statement of commitment. It is my way of saying that I stand with the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard, that I recognize your sacrifices, and that I will use my position to push for stronger maritime defense policies, greater support for our uniformed personnel, and the unwavering assertion of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
The House leader expressed to Admiral Gavan his “deepest gratitude for this trust.”
“To my fellow officers and members of the PCGA, I look forward to working alongside all of you, not just in title, but in action,” he said.
“In these times of great uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the defense of our sovereignty is not just the duty of a select few, it is the responsibility of every Filipino. And today, I reaffirm my dedication to that cause,” Speaker Romualdez said.
