President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the character of Filipinos amid renewed tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea, declaring that Filipinos are “not racists” and “not liars” as he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the nation faces growing challenges to its dignity and sovereignty.
“Our unity and collective consciousness are challenged now greater than ever before. A common threat lies before us, directed against our dignity and self-respect as a people. Of late, our very humanity has been called into question,” the President said.
Addressing both allies and critics, Marcos emphasized the values of the Filipino people.
“Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” he said.
The remarks came following recent maritime incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal. Last week, Philippine authorities accused China Coast Guard personnel of assaulting Filipino sailors during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded Philippine military outpost on the disputed shoal.
Earlier this month, the Philippines also lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing over a video released by Chinese state media that portrayed Filipinos as cartoon monkeys, calling the material racist.
Marcos likewise reaffirmed the country’s position on the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea and recently marked its 10th anniversary.
He described the award as “final and binding” and “a definitive benchmark for the interpretation and application” of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“This is not a claim that we advance alone, nor is it one that we will abandon,” Marcos said.
He vowed that the government would continue defending the ruling through peaceful and lawful means.
“Your government will do all that is necessary to continue upholding this Award, utilizing every peaceful and legal means available to the Republic against any attempt, foreign or domestic, to undermine this achievement,” he added.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fisherfolk for safeguarding the country’s maritime territories despite the risks.
“To them we owe collective gratitude and appreciation, for they give life to the letter and spirit of the Arbitral Award,” Marcos said.
