Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is optimistic that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s keynote address at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies-Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore Friday night would galvanize international community support for the Philippines’ vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
The Speaker is a member of the official party of President Marcos, Jr. in his historic participation at the ISS-Shangri-La Dialogue. President Marcos, Jr. is the first Philippine president to deliver a keynote message for Asia’s premier defense forum.
Marcos, Jr.’s keynote address, titled “Seven Realities and Three Constants: Addressing the Regional Security Challenges Facing Indo-Pacific,” emphasized the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to peace, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
“The President delivered a clear, compelling and rational articulation of our country’s legal and geopolitical position, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. As such, I expect more members of the international community to join the growing chorus calling for observance of the rule of law and diplomacy for dispute resolution,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, commended the President for his resolute stance on upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Marcos Jr.’s speech at the IISS-Shangri-La Dialogue came on the heels of China’s recent unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea, with a threat to arrest “intruders,” which covers areas over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
Previous to this, China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels engaged increasingly aggressive actions against Philippine Coast Guard Vessels and fishing boats including the use of water cannon and ramming.
In his address, the President reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to resolving disputes through diplomatic means, aligning with the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, which advocates for legal and diplomatic processes over the threat or use of force.
President Marcos’ address also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and the centrality of ASEAN in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He called for stronger alliances and partnerships, particularly with countries that share the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order.
Romualdez echoed this sentiment, stating, “ASEAN’s role is crucial in navigating the complex dynamics of our region. By strengthening our alliances with like-minded nations and supporting ASEAN’s central role, we can create a united front that upholds peace and security.”
Marcos, Jr. identified seven realities in the Indo-Pacific that must be addressed collectively: the diverse aspirations of regional nations, the strategic competition between China and the United States, the role of ASEAN, the importance of the global commons, the challenge of climate change, the rapid development of advanced technologies, and the need for responsible management of nuclear and military capabilities.
Romualdez noted that these issues require a concerted effort from all nations in the region.
Marcos Jr.’s speech highlighted the importance of multilateralism as the single viable platform for collective action against global challenges. He urged for a return to the principles established in 1945, 1967, and 1982, emphasizing the sovereign equality of states, ASEAN centrality, and the rule of law.
“By reinforcing our alliances and fostering robust multilateral cooperation, President Marcos has set a clear path for the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region. His leadership and vision are crucial in navigating the complex challenges we face today and in the future,” Speaker Romualdez concluded.*
