New Philippine President: Keeping the South China Sea ruling, I don’t want to lose any land

Philippine President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – Photo: REUTERS

At a press conference on May 26, Mr. Marcos affirmed that he would continue to use the 2016 South China Sea ruling to protect national sovereignty, and Manila would not lose an inch of land.

“We have a very important ruling in our favor and we will use it to assert our territorial rights. It’s not a claim. It’s already our territorial right.” Mr. Marcos told local media.

He also affirmed that no one would interfere in the Philippines. “We are a sovereign nation with a functioning government. We don’t need anyone to tell us how to run the country,” Mr. Marcos said.

The 2016 decision of the Arbitral Tribunal established under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) rejected China’s so-called historic rights in the East Sea. Despite this, China continues to illegally reclamation and reclamation of artificial features in the Spratly Islands of Vietnam.

Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has set aside the South China Sea ruling during his tenure in exchange for trade and investment commitments from China.

In his strongest comments yet on relations with China, Mr. Marcos said on May 26 that he would not “allow a square millimeter of our maritime and coastal rights to be trampled” and would against challenges from Beijing.

“How do we do this? We talk to China with a resolute voice,” the future Philippine president told Reuters, but he added that Manila could not go to war with the Philippines. Beijing and not let relations between the two countries worsen. “That’s the last thing we need right now,” he said.

Regarding foreign affairs, Mr. Marcos also said the Philippines is friends with all and Manila needs allies and partners.

Mr. Marcos said the economy was his first priority after taking office. His new administration will boost the agricultural sector, ensuring food supplies. Mr. Marcos said he is working to keep the price of rice and can support people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, areas affected by rising oil prices.

On May 25, the Philippine National Assembly confirmed the results of the May 9 election and announced Marcos as the country’s next president, and Sara Duterte as vice president. According to official results, Mr. Marcos received 31 million votes, or 59% of the total votes. President-elect Marcos is expected to take office on June 30.

On May 26, Marcos also announced a number of positions in the new Philippine cabinet, including Commerce Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Commerce Secretary Benjamin Diokno. He also chose his close friend Anton Lagdameo as his special assistant.