SONA 2025: Marcos maintains ‘PH a friend to all, enemy to none' foreign policy
During his fourth SONA at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos said this would be the main focus as the Philippines will host the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits next year.
The President stressed this as the Philippines continue to face threats in its territories. He said defending the Philippines' rights would be heightened, however, the Philippine government would remain ''patient'' in protecting the country's rights.
''Sa harap ng mga bagong banta sa ating kapayapaan at soberanya, mas maigting ngayon ang ating paghahanda, pagmamatyag, at pagtatanggol sa ating sarili,'' Marcos said.
''Gayunpaman, tayo pa rin ay nagtitimpi at nananatiling mapagpasensya, lalo na sa pagtanod sa ating buong kapuluan at sa pangangalaga sa ating interes,'' he added.
Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim on the resource-rich territory.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."
However, China has refused to recognize the ruling.
Marcos has been consistent that the Philippines would never give up a single inch of its territory to aggressors.
Overseas Filipino Workers
In his SONA, Marcos also highlighted the role of Overseas Filipino Workers, saying that the Philippines is highly regarded by many countries because of observing international laws, as well as the roles of OFWs.
He said through OFWs, the skills of Filipinos are being showcased abroad.
''Masasabi natin na mataas ang tingin ng buong mundo sa Pilipinas. Maayos, patas, at mahinahon tayong nakikitungo sa iba't ibang mga bansa. Tumutupad din tayo sa ating mga kasunduan, at sa mga batas at panuntunan ng pandaigdigang komunidad,'' Marcos said.
''Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating magigiting na mga OFW. Dahil sa kanila, naipamamalas ang angking galing, kabutihan, at puso ng Pilipino-sa lahat ng sulok ng daigdig,'' he added. — RF, GMA Integrated News
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