President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made his stand firm-- the Philippines would not lose even an inch of its territory under his watch.
"I will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power," Marcos said.
This was one of the remarks that earned Marcos the applause and cheers of the people who attended his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.
This remark came as China continues to reject the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated its claims on the South China Sea.
In his 73-minute speech, the President reiterated the previous administration's mantra: The Philippines is a friend to all.
"With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all, an enemy to none," Marcos said.
"The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors. That is our world view, and that is our culture," he added.
According to Marcos, the Philippines, under his leadership, will be a good neighbor that looks for ways to collaborate and cooperate with the end goal of mutually beneficial outcomes.
"If we agree, we will cooperate, and we will work together. And if we differ, let us talk some more until we develop a consensus. After all, that is the Filipino way," he said.
"But we will not waver. We will stand firm in our independent foreign policy, with the national interest as our primordial guide," he added.
President Marcos stressed that the Philippines remains committed to maintaining a good relationship with the rest of the world, especially after witnessing the good that collaboration has done to address the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
"It is my sincere belief that the need for strong bonds and collaboration among nations emerges in the direst of times, such as in a pandemic," he said.
"The partnerships and alliances that we make with all will provide the stability that all nations will need as we emerge into this new global economy," he added.
Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the international community for its support for the Philippines upon his election last month, saying he is committed to promoting more robust and multi-faceted relationships with all its partners around the world.
"We are, in fact, grateful for the messages of support and offers of help that we have received from many of our friends in the international community. This has been communicated to us through the different Envoys and the Ambassadors here in the Philippines," he said.
"Such strong relationships can only be beneficial to all involved," he added.