President Marcos has vowed that the Philippines will never back down in defending its territory, asserting a firm stance on sovereignty amid continuing regional tensions.
'Hindi tayo uurong': Marcos vows unyielding defense of PH sovereignty amid ongoing tensions
At A Glance
- In his speech, the President emphasized that national security and territorial defense remain his administration's top priorities.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)
Marcos said this as he led the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign rally in Mandaluyong City on Friday, May 9.
In his speech, the President emphasized that national security and territorial defense remain his administration's top priorities.
"Kung pag-uusapan natin ang pagtatanggol sa ating karapatan, hayaan ninyong sabihin ko ito nang buong-buo: Kailanman, hindi tayo uurong sa pagtatanggol sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas (If we are to talk about other the security of our nation, allow me to say this clearly: We will never back down in defending the territory of the Philippines)," he said.
"Hindi po. Ang Pinoy po hindi umaatras, hindi po tayo aatras (No. Filipinos do not back down—we will not back down)," he added.
Marcos said that asserting the country’s rights is a duty of a free and sovereign state.
"Bilang isang malayang bansa, dapat nating panindigan ang ating mga karapatan dahil (As a free country, we must stand by our rights)," he said.
"Maliwanag na maliwanag na ang Pilipino lamang ang dapat na makinabang sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas at 'yan po ay ipaglalaban po natin (It is crystal clear that only Filipinos should benefit from Philippine territory, and we will fight for that)," he added.
The President reiterated that the Philippines is not seeking conflict, but officials are bound by their constitutional oath to protect the nation.
"Ipagtatanggol namin ang teritoryo ng Pilipinas, ang soberanya ng Pilipinas, ang karapatan ng Pilipino (We will defend the territory of the Philippines, its sovereignty, and the rights of Filipinos)," he said.
"Kaya po, kahit ano pang mangyari, hindi po namin titigilan na ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas kahit na sinuman, napakalaking dayuhan, napakalakas ang puwersa (So, whatever happens, we will never stop defending the Philippines—even if it’s against a powerful foreign force)," he added.
President Marcos campaigned for the 11 senatorial candidates under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate.
Aside from national sovereignty, the President encouraged local officials to uphold the legacy of bravery by pushing for inclusive governance and development.
Marcos also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to improve social services, infrastructure, and digitalization, saying these are critical in building a stronger future.