PBBM cites need to explore all avenues on WPS issue
NEW YORK CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has stressed the need to “explore all avenues” in dealing with maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos made the remark in a forum at the Asia Society in New York, asserting that the Philippines would not give up any part of its territory.
“That’s something, so we must explore everything, we must explore every avenue. We do it G2G, government to government,” said Marcos. “As I clearly stated in my State of the Nation Address, I will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”
Marcos said his administration’s policy has not changed and will always anchor on the core principles of peace and national interest.
“We’re consistent. Hindi naman tayo nagpabago-bago. We have been consistent, and we continue to toe that line that our foreign policy. The main principle behind all that we do are two things: peace and the national interest,” he said in a separate interview with members of the media.
The President maintained that the Philippines would continue to work with all parties and stakeholders in dealing with maritime issues with China.
“I will prefer any approach that will work. Subukan natin lahat,” said Marcos. “Kung saan tayo makalusot, eh ‘di maganda. Eh pero kung minsan hindi mo ma-expect kung saan talaga lalabas ‘yung ano eh ‘yung opportunity.”
The Philippines, alongside China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
