Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is optimistic that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s keynote address at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies-Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore Friday night would galvanize international community support for the Philippines’ vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The Speaker was part of the official party of Marcos in his historic participation at the ISS-Shangri-La Dialogue. He is the first Philippine president to deliver a keynote message for Asia’s premier defense forum.
His keynote address, titled “Seven Realities and Three Constants: Addressing the Regional Security Challenges Facing Indo-Pacific”, emphasized the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to peace, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
“The President delivered a clear, compelling, and rational articulation of our country’s legal and geopolitical position, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. As such, I expect more members of the international community to join the growing chorus calling for observance of the rule of law and diplomacy for dispute resolution,” Romualdez said.
The leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives commended Marcos for his resolute stance on upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The President’s message is clear: the integrity of our maritime zones and our sovereignty must be respected. This is not only a legal right but a moral imperative. By adhering to international law, we can ensure that the West Philippine Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the Speaker said in a press release from his office.
“The House of Representatives fully supports Marcos’ initiatives and looks forward to working closely with the executive branch to advance our national interests, uphold international law, and contribute to regional peace and stability,” he added.
Marcos’ speech at the IISS-Shangri-La Dialogue came on the heels of China’s recent unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea, with a threat to arrest “intruders”, which covers areas over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
Previous to this, China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels engaged increasingly aggressive actions against Philippine Coast Guard Vessels and fishing boats, including the use of water cannon and ramming.
In his address, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to resolving disputes through diplomatic means, aligning with the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, which advocates for legal and diplomatic processes over the threat or use of force.
Marcos also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, and the centrality of ASEAN, in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He called for stronger alliances and partnerships, particularly with countries that share the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order.
“By reinforcing our alliances and fostering robust multilateral cooperation, Marcos has set a clear path for the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region. His leadership and vision are crucial in navigating the complex challenges we face today and in the future,” Romualdez said. ||
