President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate/ MANILA BULLETIN)

President Marcos' declaration in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is rightfully owned by the country is nothing short of "powerful". 

"The President’s declaration that the WPS is rightfully ours is a powerful assertion of our national sovereignty," Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Monday night, July 22 after the Chief Executive delivered his third SONA at Batasang Pambansa Complex. 

Romualdez was reacting to arguably the most emotional moment of the speech when Marcos said that the WPS wasn't a mere figment of the imagination (kathang-isip) but something tangible that belonged to the Philippines. 

Marcos gave these remarks amid the continued aggressive acts by regional power China in the WPS. 

According to the Speaker, the President’s expression of gratitude to the military, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and fisherfolk for their relentless efforts in defending the WPS “underscores their vital role in upholding national integrity". 

Romualdez said the President’s emphasis on using diplomatic channels to resolve territorial disputes “highlights our unwavering commitment to peaceful and lawful means of protecting our interests". 

“The message that the Philippines cannot yield or waver in its stance is crucial for maintaining our national pride and asserting our rightful claims,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

Meanwhile, 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero said in a separate statement that President Marcos deserved the standing ovation that he received following his assertion of the government’s position on the WPS. 

“The President’s stand on the West Philippine Sea is solid and unequivocal. He deserved our standing ovation," said Romero, a former deputy speaker.  

"We salute our commander-in-chief for defending the Philippines’ territory and for taking care of our PCG and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel protecting our maritime integrity," he said.