House Speaker Martin Romualdez | FILE PHOTO: Official website of the House of Representatives / congress.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez predicted on Saturday that more nations will join the Philippines in its call for a rules-based international order in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Romualdez, this was one of the outcomes of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies-Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday.
READ: Marcos: PH won’t yield West Philippine Sea; to defend it at all cost
“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 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,” he added.
In his speech, Marcos said that the Philippines will not yield in the face of ongoing issues in the maritime region.
READ: It’s nearly an act of war if a Filipino dies in West Philippine Sea
“As President, I have sworn to this solemn commitment from the very first day that I took office. I do not intend to yield. Filipinos do not yield,” he said.
“We have on our side the 1982 UNCLOS and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirm what is ours by legal right,” he added.