GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret)
The West Philippine Sea has long been a crucible of competing territorial claims and geopolitical tensions. The recent official statement by Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. adds a new chapter to the ongoing narrative—a narrative that weaves the delicate threads of sovereignty, international law, and regional stability.
At the heart of President Marcos Jr.'s statement lies a reaffirmation of the Philippines' commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is a resolve that is not new to the Filipino people, who have, for years, watched and participated in the ebb and flow of this complex maritime dispute. The President’s stance is clear: the Philippines seeks no conflict but will not be bullied into submission or silence by more powerful nations.
One of the notable aspects of the statement is the emphasis on diplomatic engagements and alliances. President Marcos Jr. highlights his discussions with national and defense leaders and constant communication with international allies. This is a significant acknowledgment of the multifaceted nature of contemporary diplomacy. By seeking common ground and understanding with allies, the President is banking on collective support and action, rather than unilateralism, to address the challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
The President also underscores the need for a responsive and measured approach to ensure that the sovereignty of the Philippines is upheld while peace and stability in the region are maintained. This balancing act—between assertiveness and restraint, between rights and responsibilities—is crucial. It reflects an understanding that in the arena of international disputes, actions must be both legitimate and strategic.
The pledge to implement countermeasures in the face of aggression, while ensuring that they are deliberate, lawful, and reasonable, represents a commitment to the rule of law. This approach is commendable, as it indicates a preference for a rules-based order over the might-is-right dynamic that often characterizes territorial disputes. It is an approach that resonates with the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China's claims over most of the South China Sea, under which the West Philippine Sea falls.
Nevertheless, the President’s firm declaration—"Filipinos do not yield"—while powerful, must be scrutinized against the backdrop of past actions and current capabilities. Declarations of fortitude must be matched by tangible actions and policies that fortify the Philippines’ position. The challenge lies in translating these words into effective on-the-ground strategies that enhance the Philippines' defense capabilities and diplomatic leverage.
What does this entail? For starters, it requires sustained investments in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly in its naval and air assets, to ensure that the country can adequately monitor and defend its waters. Furthermore, it necessitates the strengthening of existing alliances, such as those with the United States, and exploring new partnerships that can provide support in logistics, intelligence, and even presence patrols in the contested waters.
It is also critical for the Philippine government to continuously engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional stakeholders to foster a united front. Unity in ASEAN is often a herculean task due to the diverse interests of its member states. However, the collective voice of Southeast Asia is a powerful force that can amplify the Philippines' call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Moreover, the President's statement should not just resonate with the international community; it must reverberate within the Philippines. The administration must ensure that its foreign policy decisions regarding the West Philippine Sea are backed by the Filipino people's will. Public opinion and civil society’s support are pivotal, as they provide the social legitimacy for the government’s actions.
In essence, President Marcos Jr.'s statement is a bold affirmation of the Philippines’ stance on a critical issue that has implications not only for national pride but also for regional security and the international order. While his words lay out a vision of resolute diplomacy and measured response, the true test will be in the execution. The Philippines must now navigate the turbulent waters of the West Philippine Sea with the prudence of a seasoned mariner and the courage of a nation undeterred.
(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)