THE Philippines will continue to stand its ground and push back against coercion, interference, and other malicious tactics that seek to jeopardize the country’s security and stability in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), National Security Adviser and National Security Council Director General Eduardo Año said on Friday.
Secretary Año made these remarks during a conference marking the eighth anniversary of the country’s arbitral victory at The Hague on the West Philippine Sea issue.
“We will do all of this not merely for the country’s interests, but more importantly, for our common interests in the Indo-Pacific Region and beyond,” Año said.
“So today, as we mark the 8th anniversary of our victory at The Hague, I emphasize that respect and adherence to international law should not be optional, nor should it be based on a state’s own liking, benefit, or convenience. Observance and adherence to laws are essential because they are crucial to the world order,” he added.
The alternative will be chaos and confusion, Año stressed, saying that nations must work hand-in-hand to pursue this collective vision and show the world that a free, peaceful, and secure world will emerge if everyone acts sincerely and responsibly under international laws.
As the government continues its efforts to seek an amicable agreement on the WPS, the national security adviser said the country will actively exercise its sovereign rights and increasingly make use of its maritime entitlements despite ongoing coercion and intimidation.
“We will rise above the fear instigated by military and economic might, real or imagined,” Año emphasized, adding that the Philippines remains committed to the cause of peace based on the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“With the firm belief that peaceful channels such as dialogue and diplomacy are key to resolving disputes peacefully, we will continually engage, build partnerships, and seek wider international support to defend and protect what is rightfully ours,” Año stressed.
He pointed out that the Philippines is committed to addressing and managing difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
Año said the Philippines has its doors always open to frank discussions based on mutual respect and sincerity, even as the country continues to rally its friends, allies, and ASEAN partners in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, to make a united stance against those who seek to undermine the arbitral ruling and highlight the importance of adherence to international law.
“Alongside this effort, we shall foster closer ties with like-minded countries to advocate for a rules-based order that recognizes, respects, and abides by international laws, norms, and orders,” he added.
During the Shangri-La Dialogue last month, President Marcos said Philippine foreign policy is anchored on three abiding principles: the sovereign equality of states must remain sacrosanct; ASEAN and ASEAN-led processes must remain central; and the rule of law and the integrity of multilateralism must prevail.
Despite the country’s victory at The Hague eight years ago, China has refused to recognize the ruling and has continued its illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea.
