Philippines Asserts Sovereign Rights in West Philippine Sea
House Speaker Martin Romualdez delivered a powerful message on May 22 in Madrid, Spain, firmly opposing the rising Chinese aggression and rhetoric in the West Philippine Sea. His remarks, delivered at the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF), reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which clearly recognize the country’s sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Romualdez emphasized, “We categorically reject attempts to undermine our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction through coercion or disinformation.” He added, “Let me be clear: the Philippines remains steadfast in protecting our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea by upholding international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.”
Recent Incidents Highlight Tensions in the Region
The Speaker’s address comes amid reports of hostile actions by Chinese Coast Guard vessels. These include firing water cannons and sideswiping a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), where marine scientific research was underway. Reports indicate that Chinese ships have repeatedly used water cannons against Philippine supply boats, performed dangerous blocking maneuvers near Ayungin Shoal, and swarmed Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. Philippine officials and international observers widely condemn these actions as violations of maritime law and international norms.
Romualdez pointed out the broader implications, saying, “These are not isolated incidents. This is not just a regional issue. It is a global test of whether the rule of law will prevail over brute force.”
Commitment to Peaceful Resolution and International Law
Despite these provocations, the Philippines remains firm in its resolve. Romualdez assured that the country will never give up its rights nor remain silent in the face of unlawful intimidation. He stressed that the nation’s foreign policy is grounded in peace, justice, and mutual respect.
“Our approach is anchored on legal clarity, diplomatic dialogue, leveraging partnerships, and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he explained. “We will not allow foreign narratives to distort the truth on the ground. Nor will we permit coercive actions to dictate our national destiny.”
Call for Global Vigilance and Unity
The Speaker urged democracies and rule-based nations to stay alert and united against tactics such as gray-zone operations, cyber propaganda, and the gradual erosion of maritime law and order. “We serve not only as lawmakers but as standard-bearers of the democratic rule of law,” Romualdez said. “In an age when misinformation, cyberattacks, and technological disruption threaten the very fabric of our societies, the need for vigilance and unity among democracies has never been greater.”
He also linked maritime security concerns to wider global challenges, warning about the dangers posed by unregulated technology, weaponized information, and hybrid threats that test governments’ agility and resilience.
Advancing Global Cooperation and Legislative Solidarity
Romualdez’s speech builds on the discussions from the 28th PI-SF held earlier this year in Manila, where global legislators focused on peaceful conflict resolution, protecting territorial integrity, and securing global supply chains. He highlighted that forums like PI-SF are essential not only for exchanging intelligence but also for fostering solidarity, mutual understanding, and legislative strength to defend freedom and prosperity amid a rapidly changing world.
He concluded with a strong appeal for unity and resolve: “Let us move forward — united in purpose, resolute in action, and inspired by our common vision of peace, stability, and global cooperation.”
The 29th PI-SF, hosted by the Spanish Senate and chaired by a former US Congressman, gathered representatives from over 40 nations to coordinate strategies against global threats. Romualdez’s participation spotlighted the Philippines as a leading voice in defending international law and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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