Civic groups back Marcos' West Philippine Sea stance in SONA

Civic groups on Friday expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s firm stance on the West Philippine Sea in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying the administration's position remains anchored on international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award.In a joint statement, the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People's Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (FDNY) said the President's remarks reflected a foreign policy that remains committed to defending Philippine sovereignty through peaceful and lawful means.'The 2016 Arbitral Award is one of the Philippines' greatest victories on the world stage. No amount of foreign propaganda can erase what international law has already affirmed. President Marcos has shown that sovereignty is defended not by bluster but through principled diplomacy, capable institutions, and the resolve to stand firm for every Filipino,' said Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of the four organizations.In his SONA, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea and paid tribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino fishermen for safeguarding the country's maritime interests.He concluded his remarks by declaring: 'We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.'Goitia also cited the administration's accomplishments highlighted in the SONA, including infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, education, investment promotion, tax relief for workers and small businesses, efforts to reduce electricity costs, and anti-corruption initiatives, including action against allegedly anomalous flood control projects.'Leadership isn't measured by promises. It's measured by performance. President Marcos presented concrete gains in governance, public services, and accountability. Those are the foundations of a stronger Republic,' he said.As the administration enters the latter part of its term, Goitia said the challenge would be sustaining the reforms already underway.'Economic growth creates opportunity. Good governance earns public trust. A nation that governs well at home stands stronger when it stands its ground abroad,' he said.He added that the President's fifth SONA showed that economic development, accountable governance, and the defense of the country's lawful rights are interconnected goals essential to nation-building.