Defending West Philippine Sea a national duty: House speaker
Philippine News Agency
By Filane Mikee Cervantes
March 7, 2025, 10:07 am
MANILA -- House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez has reiterated that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines and defending it is a matter of national survival.
Romualdez made the statement during his promotion and donning of his rank as an Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Thursday night.
"Hindi tayo papayag na maging dehado sa sarili nating dagat. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa sariling teritoryo (We will not allow ourselves to be disadvantaged in our seas. We will not lose in our territory)," he said. "The West Philippine Sea is not just a political issue; it is a national cause, a matter of survival, dignity, and sovereignty."
He said the Coast Guard has been the country's first line of defense in the face of aggression, intimidation, and illegal incursions by foreign vessels.
"Habang may PCG na nagbabantay, hindi kailanman magiging pag-aari ng ibang bansa ang ating karagatan (So long as the PCG is on guard, our seas will never belong to any other country). Your bravery, discipline, and unwavering commitment to protecting our maritime territory define the true essence of patriotism," he said.
Romualdez assured the Coast Guard of his continued support, both in Congress and through his new role in the PCG Auxiliary.
He pledged to use his position to push for stronger maritime defense policies, greater support for uniformed personnel, and the continued assertion of Philippine sovereignty.
"But beyond legislation, I believe that leadership must also be personal. It must be about standing with those who serve on the frontline: our Coast Guard, our Navy, our fisherfolk who brave the waters every day, knowing that our seas are not just waters. They are our birthright, our lifeline, our future," he added. (PNA)
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