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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP says Marcos' SONA reaffirms mission to defend sovereignty, uphold arbitral ruling

AFP says Marcos' SONA reaffirms mission to defend sovereignty, uphold arbitral ruling

Published Jul 28, 2026 02:13 pm

At A Glance

  • The Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth SONA reaffirmed the military's mission to defend Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea while upholding the 2016 arbitral award.
  • AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is ready to carry out the President's directives and will continue to protect the country's maritime interests with professionalism, discipline, and restraint.
  • The AFP said its resolve remains unshaken despite challenges in the West Philippine Sea, adding that the President's recognition of soldiers, coast guard personnel, and Filipino fisherfolk reinforced the military's daily mission.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, 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 Monday, 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 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, July 28, said President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) reinforced mandate to defend the country's sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), while continuing to uphold the 2016 arbitral award.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is prepared to carry out Marcos’ directives while remaining faithful to its constitutional mandate.
“Foremost, the President has set the direction. The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands ready to carry out this direction from the President with courage, with honor, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution and to every Filipino. That has always been our mission and we will continue to fulfill it,” Padilla said.
Marcos devoted a significant portion of his SONA on July 27 to national security, peace, and the WPS.
He reiterated that the country would continue to uphold the landmark 2016 arbitral award, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, through peaceful and legal means while honoring the troops, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Filipino fishermen operating in disputed waters.
The President also paid tribute to frontline personnel in the West Philippine Sea, including the AFP, Philippine Coast Guard, and local fisherfolk.
One of the most applauded remarks of the Chief Executive was when he declared that Filipinos are not greedy, racists, nor liars, a subtle swipe to China’s recent claims over Batanes, release of an AI video depicting Filipinos as monkeys, and conflicting statements during confrontations in WPS, most recent of which was on July 20 in Ayungin Shoal where two Filipino sailors were hurt.
Padilla said the recognition by the President carried meaning for troops serving in the country's maritime areas.
“For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, these are more than policy statements. They reinforce our mission that we carry out every day,” she said.
Further, the military said it would continue to fulfill its mandate with professionalism despite ongoing security challenges.
“We will continue to defend our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, and protect the Filipino people. We will uphold the rule of law with professionalism, discipline, and restraint following this guidance,” Padilla said.
“Despite the challenges that we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, our resolve remains unshaken. Our mission has not changed and it will not change,” she added.
Read: 'Morale booster!' PCG welcomes Marcos SONA commendation, vows 'unwavering' defense of West Philippine Sea

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