SPEAKER FERDINAND Martin Romualdez has reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering stance on territorial integrity as he highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm policy on safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.
According to a news release from his office on Friday, Romualdez issued the statement during the Stakeholder Dialogue titled “Navigating Asia’s Hotspots” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday (local time).
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been very, very firm on his policy that we should not give an inch of any Philippine territory,” Romualdez said.
“Having that been said, we celebrate, of course, our rules-based global order, and with the [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea] and the 2016 arbitral award recognizing the sovereignty of the Philippines, we stand steadfast with the President's policy in enforcing that,” he added.
He was joined in the panel by Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta and Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono; Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Tulsi Naidu, chief executive officer of Asia-Pacific at Zurich Insurance Group.
Romualdez emphasized that the Philippines has adopted a pragmatic and balanced approach to navigating the intensifying geopolitical competition between the United States and China, particularly in relation to the South China Sea (SCS) issue.
Balancing geopolitical interests
During the dialogue, Romualdez underscored the Philippines’ strategic position as an ally of the US and a vital trade partner of China, and advocated for leveraging both relationships to advance the country’s national interests.
He emphasized that the territorial dispute in the SCS does not define the entirety of the country’s relationship with China.
“Despite the President being very firm on this policy of not giving up a single inch, we are working daily to de-escalate tensions. We do not want the South China Sea dispute to overshadow the many other facets of our relationship with China, including trade, education, and cultural exchanges,” Romualdez said.
“We are not taking sides. The United States is our long-standing ally and China is our largest trading partner. The Philippines is navigating a middle path where we maximize opportunities from both relationships while actively participating in the broader global community,” he added.
On the bilateral ties with the US, Romualdez welcomed recent reassurances from new Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Mutual Defense Treaty and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, noting their alignment with the Philippines’ strategic priorities.
Reports said that in a call with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Rubio “underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty.”
“Our enduring alliance with the United States strengthens our ability to safeguard sovereignty and pursue peace. At the same time, we remain proactive in fostering relationships with all nations to promote global collaboration,” he said.
Economic growth, global engagement
Romualdez likewise highlighted the economic benefits of the country’s pragmatic foreign policy, noting its attractiveness to investors due to its robust gross domestic product (GDP) growth, youthful workforce, and strategic location within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“We are here at the WEF to tell the Philippine story -- of a nation full of potential and resilience. As part of ASEAN, we are at the heart of a dynamic growth region, and we are working to build stronger partnerships to unlock opportunities for trade and investment,” he said.
He emphasized how the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as a key hub for global trade, citing as example the Philippine government’s engagements with industrial leaders from India.
Commitment to peace, cooperation
Reiterating the Philippines’ role in fostering regional stability, Romualdez affirmed the nation’s dedication to the ASEAN centrality and multilateralism.
“ASEAN continues to play a vital role in ensuring regional peace and stability. The Philippines remains committed to this multilateral framework, which has proven effective in addressing challenges while promoting cooperation,” he said.
He reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, rooted in upholding sovereignty, fostering economic growth, and pursuing peaceful international collaboration.
“Our future lies in de-escalating tensions, building meaningful partnerships, and safeguarding our principles. The Philippines is prepared to navigate the complexities of geopolitics, ensuring that our people benefit from peace, prosperity, and stability,” he said. (Jose Cielito Reganit)
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