President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. with House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos (Speaker's Office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez commended President Marcos for his “principled stand” in defending the Philippines' dedication to protecting its territory and respecting international law and rules-based order in this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s firm and resolute leadership in advocating for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea deserves our commendation,” Romualdez said in a statement on Friday, Oct. 11.

Romualdez, who joined Marcos in Vientiane, Laos for the summit, said the President has highlighted the ongoing West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute with China in dialogues with its partners as well as in bilateral meetings with other heads of state.

The Speaker said this resolute advocacy reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“His clear and principled stand during the ASEAN Summits and his bilateral discussions with other world leaders highlights the Philippines’ unwavering dedication to safeguarding our territorial integrity and promoting peace in the region," he added.

Marcos’ defense of Philippine interests in the WPS, which has steadily garnered international attention and support, has “practical and vital significance” to the lives of ordinary Filipinos, he said.

“In simple words, it means the President wants to ensure our fishermen could catch fish in waters that are rightfully ours without fear from harassment or violent attacks, that our people for generations to come can secure food from the bounty of the sea,” said Romualdez, representative of Leyte’s first district.

He stressed that securing the WPS, particularly the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), will ensure access to “rich mineral, potential oil deposits, and other resources” in the disputed territory.

The House leader explained that by elevating the issue within the framework of international law, President Marcos has not only strengthened the Philippines' position but has also rallied the ASEAN and other partners to strive for a peaceful region.

Romualdez particularly cited the “ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for the Future-Ready ASEAN and ASEAN-Centered Regional Architecture” adopted on Oct. 9.

With this declaration, leaders of the region agreed to “maintain and promote stability in the maritime sphere and enhance maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia, including maritime security, maritime safety,” among others.

"President Marcos’ diplomatic efforts in Laos resonate deeply with our shared goal of regional security. He reinforces our pursuit of peace, security, and cooperation among nations, especially in these times of heightened tensions in the South China Sea," said Romualdez.