THE Secretary of the of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Juanito Victor Remulla has called on Filipinos to set aside political differences and stand united behind the country’s territory and claim over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement, Remulla said the issue of the WPS transcends politics and requires the collective resolve of the Filipino people.
During the 10th anniversary commemoration of the Philippines’ landmark arbitral victory in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on Thursday, Remulla emphasized that while the National Government remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful engagement, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights requires national unity and a shared commitment to the country’s interests.
‘Our seas are ours. Our seas are for the Filipinos and for the Philippines,’ Remulla said.
He stressed that supporting the country’s position on the WPS is not about advocating conflict, but about demonstrating national unity and an unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights.
‘Nobody wants war. Nobody wants violence. Let the National Government negotiate and talk. But now, we should show that we are Filipinos. We are not afraid of anyone and we can fight for what is ours,’ he added.
Remulla underscored that issues concerning Philippine sovereignty transcend political affiliations and should serve as a unifying cause for all Filipinos.
‘We may be separated by politics, we must not let politics divide us on this issue,’ he said.
He urged national government agencies, local government units, and citizens to stand together in supporting lawful, peaceful, and rules-based efforts to uphold the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
‘We are Filipinos. The West Philippine Sea is for Filipinos. Let us fight for the Philippines. Let us unite and fight for what is ours,’ Remulla said.
The commemoration highlighted the enduring significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and reaffirmed the Philippines’ continuing commitment to assert its rights under international law.
As part of the program, officials and participants expressed their support for the collective effort to safeguard the West Philippine Sea through a Pledge of Commitment led by Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan and the signing of a Commitment Wall.
Also present during the activity were DILG Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian M. De Leon, National Security Council Assistant Director General Francis Jude Lauengco, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, local chief executives, government officials, and representatives from various sectors.
The gathering forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote public awareness, strengthen national unity, and reinforce support for the peaceful and rules-based assertion of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.