President Marcos reaffirmed his administration's firm stand on the West Philippine Sea, declaring that the Philippines has never yielded its territory and will continue to defend its sovereignty.

Marcos said this after Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said the next administration should continue the Marcos policy of asserting the country’s maritime rights.

In his podcast episode released on Saturday, June 21, the President said the government did not back down.

“We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic,” he said when asked how he wants history to remember his policy on the disputed waters.

“We continue to defend the territory of the Republic, and we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic,” he added.

The President emphasized that while the Philippines does not seek confrontation, it will defend its rights.

“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-away, eh. Pero wag niyong binabangga yung mga mangingisda (We are not looking for a fight. But don’t harass our fishermen),” he said.

“‘Wag niyo kaming hinaharang doon sa teritoryo namin. Ipaglalaban talaga namin 'yan (Don’t block us in our own territory. We will really fight for that),” he added.

President Marcos has also warned against appeasement in the West Philippine issue.

“Because kung ibigay mo yun, like they say, you give them an inch, they'll take a mile. So you cannot allow even the one inch,” he said.

Under Marcos’ leadership, the Philippines has amplified its diplomatic protests against Chinese incursions, strengthened maritime patrols through increased coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and Armed Forces, and expanded joint maritime exercises with allies like the United States, Australia, and Japan.

The administration has also continued upgrading facilities on Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea and supported livelihood programs for affected fisherfolk in areas near the contested waters.