PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan presides over the Donning and Promotion Ceremony, where Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) was elevated from the rank of auxiliary commodore to auxiliary vice admiral of the PCG, held at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City Thursday afternoon. Assisting Admiral Gavan are Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. and Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez issued some fighting words after he was promoted to tie rank of an auxiliary vice admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday afternoon, March 6.

“Hindi tayo papayag na maging dehado sa sarili nating dagat. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa sariling teritoryo (We won't let ourselves become deprived in our own sea. We won't lose in our own territory)," Romualdez told his PCG audience at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City.

"The West Philippine Sea is not just a political issue; it is a national cause, a matter of survival, dignity, and sovereignty,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives.

The ceremony was attended by PCG officials led by Admiral Ronnie Gavan and Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.

Romualdez, arguably President Marcos' top lieutenant in the bureaucracy,thanked the Coast Guard for his promotion to its Auxiliary branch.

“My donning of this rank is more than ceremonial. It is a statement of solidarity, of commitment, of resolve. This is my way of saying that I am with you, that I share in your mission, that I will use every platform available to me to ensure that our maritime forces, whether uniformed or auxiliary, have the resources, the recognition, and the respect they deserve,” he said.

“Isa lang po ang tinitiyak ko sa inyo. Kasama ninyo ako sa laban na ito. Hindi lang sa salita, kundi sa gawa (I can assure only one thing to you. I'm with you in this fight. Not just in words but in edeeds.,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman.

He said he carries new rank as an officer of the PCG Auxiliary "with pride".

“More than an honorary title, this promotion is a statement of commitment. It is my way of saying that I stand with the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard, that I recognize your sacrifices, and that I will use my position to push for stronger maritime defense policies, greater support for our uniformed personnel, and the unwavering assertion of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

The Speaker says the PCG has been the country’s first line of defense in the face of aggression, intimidation, and illegal incursions by foreign vessels.

“Habang may PCG na nagbabantay, hindi kailanman magiging pag-aari ng ibang bansa ang ating karagatan! (For as long as the PCG is around, our seas will never belong to other countries.)

"Your bravery, your discipline, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our maritime territory define the true essence of patriotism,” he said.