Marcos Highlights Sovereignty, Alliances, and Domestic Challenges in State of the Nation Address

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that the Philippines is more confident and better prepared to defend its sovereignty, citing strengthened security alliances as a key factor in the face of rising tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea. This statement was made during his annual state of the nation address.

In a nationally televised speech before Congress, attended by top government and military officials, as well as diplomats, Marcos emphasized that the newly forged alliances would be crucial for the Philippines during times of "grave need." He also addressed domestic issues, acknowledging growing public dissatisfaction, and citing the recent midterm elections as a sign of discontent regarding government services.

Marcos renewed his call for national unity and pledged that the government would become more responsive to the country's numerous challenges, including widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and corruption. He specifically vowed to expose and prosecute corruption within flood-control projects, as the Philippines grapples with the aftermath of deadly flooding and landslides that have resulted in numerous fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands. He committed to publicly releasing a list of all flood-control projects undertaken during his presidency, allowing for public scrutiny.

The President highlighted that the Philippines has intensified its preparations, surveillance, and defense efforts in response to new threats to peace and sovereignty, without explicitly mentioning China. He underscored that the Philippines would maintain a stance of restraint and patience. Under his leadership, the Philippines has strengthened its ties with the United States and expanded security agreements with various other nations, a stance that has strained relations with China.

Marcos emphasized that increased confidence stems from having more allies, who would provide support during times of need. Territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan in the disputed waters are a significant point of contention in Asia and a delicate aspect of the regional rivalry between the United States and China. The Defense Secretary confirmed a shift in military focus towards external defense.