MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippine government will continue upholding its sovereign rights and preserving territorial integrity. 

In his SONA, President Marcos underscored the importance of unity and social cohesion among the Filipino people, assuring them that the government will not lose any of its territory. 

“Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion amongst our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable, our sovereignty preserved,” President Marcos said. 

“We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of rules-based international order,” the chief executive added, referring to an international ruling on the West Philippine Sea. 

President Marcos also emphasized that the Philippine government will continue to pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches to the resolution of any issue that may arise.

The chief executive emphasized that the interest of the Philippines and the Filipino people will be given priority in the government’s foreign policy. (PND)