Manila
The Stratbase ADR Institute commends Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who, during
his keynote message at the Shangri-La Dialogue, sounded the call to strengthen partnerships
and multilateral cooperation to address key geopolitical challenges. With his statement,
President Marcos Jr. emboldened states to abide by the fundamental tenets of international law
as responsible members of the international community. Upholding the rules-based
international order, the President said, is crucial to stability and prosperity.
Our Institute has been at the forefront of advocating for respect for the rule of law and
adherence to the rules-based international order. Guided by the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea and the Arbitral Award, the Institute asserts the country’s legal and
economic rights within our own waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
The President’s strong pronouncement that the administration will stand by its solemn
commitment to do “whatever it takes to protect our sovereign home- to the last square inch, to
the last square millimeter” is a reaffirmation that we are on the right side of history. Statements
such as this serve to empower our brave frontliners- whether uniformed or civilian- to
continue to safeguard our territory in the face of aggression.
The President declared that he will not yield. Neither will we.
The Institute calls on like-minded states to staunchly defend the rule of law and support the
Philippines’ bid for a seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.
Alongside this, we call on our fellow Filipinos to continue their efforts, whether big or small, to
fight for the West Philippine Sea and stand united against malign foreign influences seeking to
divide us.
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