Protecting the country’s sovereignty Z Factor

During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos received a standing ovation from members of Congress after a compelling statement on the contentious issue of the South China Sea, known locally as the West Philippine Sea.

In his words, the President said: “The Philippines cannot yield, the Philippines cannot waver.” A resounding applause can be heard throughout the hall when these were stated, reflecting a majority sentiment that the country should commit to sovereignty even in the face of dispute against a formidable opponent.

The SONA came a day after an announcement that the Philippines and China finally reached a provisional arrangement that will enable the peaceful resupply missions of Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine naval vessel grounded at the Ayungin Shoal, internationally called Second Thomas Shoal, in the South China Sea.

“In our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea to manage differences in a peaceful manner, we emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“We urge China to do the same.”

The Ayungin Shoal holds a strategic and economic importance for the Philippines – apart from its potential as military base, the area is also a rich fishing ground. China is keen on these benefits too and has been persistently implementing measures to control the area, which led to several aggressive incidents, including the ramming of Philippine vessels and firing of water cannons. In recent months, tensions have escalated, with both nations exchanging accusations amid a series of confrontations in the disputed waters.

Thus, the recent agreement represents a significant diplomatic achievement – a concrete case of President Marcos and the Philippine forces asserting “our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done.”

Reached after intensive negotiations and diplomatic exchanges, this agreement demonstrates a pragmatic approach to de-escalate tensions while firmly maintaining the Philippines’ territorial claims.

The Filipino public strongly supports the government’s stance on asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. A recent Pulse Asia survey conducted in May 2024 showed that 64 percent of Filipinos believe that there is a need for a code of conduct to govern the actions of claimants in the South China Sea. Same survey also showed that 61 percent agree that China should remove its coast guard and militia in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

A Social Weather Stations poll commissioned by think tank Stratbase Institute also revealed that 72 percent of Filipinos believe that there is a need to form alliances with other countries to defend its rights over the West Philippine Sea.

This widespread support indicates that Filipinos across social demographics value sovereignty and security. President Marcos’ statements in his SONA align with majority of public opinion, which is to push harder on safeguarding national interests that will ultimately lead to benefits for its citizens. It also shows how the government protects its own, acknowledging the valiant efforts of the Filipino troops who had been stationed at the Ayungin Shoal despite the constant dangers.

While details of the provisional agreement between Philippines and China are yet to be made public, one thing is clear – this is an opportunity for President Marcos’ administration to show how to navigate and develop a careful and balanced act of de-escalation and assertion of sovereignty but without resorting to conflict. The world is watching.