Berlin, Germany—Amid the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos assured Filipinos in Germany that the government would not waver in defending its sovereign rights and its territory.
During his address to the Filipino community here, President Marcos reiterated the country’s push to adhere to international and rules-based orders in the geopolitical tensions in the region.
“We both adhere to the rules-based order and seek the cooperation of all nations to abide by the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Dahil nagkakaproblema po tayo ay may ibang bansa sinasabi ‘yung ating teritoryo ay kanila pala… Ngunit…asahan ninyo…hindi po tayo papayag dahil maliwanag na maliwanag naman na ito ay bahagi ng Pilipinas,” he added.
(Because we are having issues, some other countries are claiming that our territory is actually theirs. But rest assured, we will not allow it because it is very clear that this is part of the Philippines.)
He also commended Germany’s support in keeping the region open, secure, and peaceful.
“On our political and economic relations, Germany has also been a strong supporter of the Philippines in our quest to keep the waters in the South China Sea open, secure, and peaceful,” Mr. Marcos said.
Marcos hails OFWs’ contribution in PH economy
Moreover, President Marcos thanked the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Germany for aiding in securing foreign investments, hailing them as the “Bagong Bayani” of the “Bagong Pilipinas.”
He credited their contributions, including the record-breaking remittances of $33.5 billion the Philippines recorded in 2023, for driving the country’s 5.6 percent economic growth.
The President acknowledged OFWs as cultural envoys and emphasized their role in fostering goodwill and understanding between nations.
He pledged to match their efforts with reforms and programs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, aiming for economic growth, progress, and reform.
He urged unity among overseas Filipinos, stressing the importance of collective spirit in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for prosperity.