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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Morale booster!' PCG welcomes Marcos SONA commendation, vows 'unwavering' defense of West Philippine Sea

'Morale booster!' PCG welcomes Marcos SONA commendation, vows 'unwavering' defense of West Philippine Sea

Published Jul 27, 2026 09:36 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Coast Guard said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recognition during his 2026 SONA strengthened its resolve to defend the West Philippine Sea with "unwavering commitment" while protecting Filipino fishermen and upholding international law.
  • The President honored the PCG, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Filipino fishermen for their role in asserting the country's maritime rights and reiterated that the government will continue upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award through peaceful and legal means.
  • PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said Marcos' remarks answered recent developments involving China, including its claims over Batanes, an AI-generated video that insulted Filipinos, and confrontations involving BFAR and Philippine Navy vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 27, 2026. In his address, Marcos outlined his administration’s accomplishments, key policy priorities, and legislative agenda for the coming year. He is joined by Senate President Win Gatchalian and House Speaker Bodjie Dy. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 27, 2026. In his address, Marcos outlined his administration’s accomplishments, key policy priorities, and legislative agenda for the coming year. He is joined by Senate President Win Gatchalian and House Speaker Bodjie Dy. (Mark Balmores)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recognition of coast guard personnel during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, strengthened the organization's resolve to continue defending the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with “unwavering commitment.”
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan thanked Marcos for recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of coast guard personnel, particularly those protecting Filipino fishermen and carrying out missions in the disputed waters.
“The President's commendation is a tribute to every coast guardian who faithfully performs his or her duty under challenging circumstances. It inspires us to continue serving with courage and unwavering commitment to our mandate of protecting the Filipino people and advancing our national interests at sea,” Gavan said.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Marcos recognized the PCG, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Filipino fishermen as he reaffirmed his administration's commitment to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award, a landmark ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
“We give honor to our Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and even our fisherfolk, who all continue to patrol and ply our seas, though fraught with risks,” the President said during his SONA.
“To them we owe collective gratitude and appreciation for they give life to the letter and spirit of the Arbitral Award,” he added.
The President also vowed that his administration would continue defending the country's maritime rights through peaceful and lawful means.
In response, Gavan said the PCG would remain steadfast in protecting the country's maritime rights while ensuring maritime safety with professionalism and full respect for international law.
In his address, Marcos said the maritime dispute is not only about territory but also about the country's dignity and identity.
“Of late, our very humanity has been called into question. Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars,” he said.
“We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,” the President added.
The President's message drew support from PCG spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, who said Marcos' speech addressed recent incidents involving China in the disputed waters.
“My favorite line from the President was, 'We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are dignified human beings.' For me, it sums up everything that happened over the past two weeks, from China's claim over Batanes, to our government's response to the AI video, to the harassment of BFAR, and the recent incident in Ayungin,” Tarriela said.
“So yes, I feel vindicated because President Marcos himself said we need to stand firm on this as Filipinos,” he shared.
Tarriela added that the President’s commitment to uphold the Arbitral Award made him proud to be a Filipino. He also said Marcos’ call for unity came after criticism from some lawmakers and served as an answer to recent actions by China.
Those incidents included Chinese claims involving Batanes, an AI-generated editorial that depicted Filipinos as a monkey, and confrontations involving vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Navy in the WPS, the latest of which occurred on July 20 in Ayungin Shoal where two Filipino sailors were injured.

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