Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for notching yet another triumphant achievement in statecraft that bolsters the country’s stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and promises to significantly enhance defense capabilities.
Marcos secured the support of Czech Republic President Petr Pavel on the South China Sea (SCS) issue during their bilateral meeting March 14, particularly in respecting rules-based order and ensuring free and open navigation in the area.
Romualdez noted that, among others, the two leaders discussed the further strengthening of cooperation in various areas, such as defense and cybersecurity, as well as the use and development of modern technologies.
“The exceptional diplomatic efforts of Marcos paid off with the expression of full support of President Pavel to the stance of the Philippines in defense of our right and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, said in a press release March 15.
“Support from countries, like the Czech Republic, significantly reinforces the Philippine position and amplifies the international voice dismissing China’s sweeping claims over the area. It could also help promote a rules-based approach to resolving maritime disputes by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” he added.
Romualdez was part of the official delegation of Marcos on his four-day state visit to the Czech Republic last week.
He noted that during the joint press conference of the two leaders after their bilateral meeting, Pavel said: “As to South China Sea, we fully support the Philippines when it comes to their entitlement to free movement of goods and also very intense support because that’s a principle that, not only we all respect but, which also secures global and regional stability.”
Pavel emphasized the crucial importance of preserving peace and stability in the region, noting that any disruption would have adverse economic consequences, not only to the Czech Republic but to the entire Europe as well.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates showed that roughly 80 percent of global trade by volume, and 70 percent by value, is transported by sea. Of that volume, 60 percent of maritime trade passes through Asia, with the South China Sea carrying an estimated one-third of global shipping.
Romualdez said that, during the meeting, Marcos also noted that the Czech Republic has been a long-time and trusted partner in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Romualdez said Czech defense companies can help our country advance the Re-horizon 3 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, focused on improving the military’s archipelagic defense capabilities which will include the acquisition of more ships, aircraft, and radar systems.
The Speaker also said that discussions on cooperation in the field of cyber security are equally crucial in fortifying the country’s defense capabilities.
Romualdez said that exploring cooperation in the use and development of modern technologies between the Philippines and the Czech Republic can lead to mutual benefits in various sectors, including defense, telecommunications, and innovation. ||
