PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored his administration’s foreign policy: “The Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none.”
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 28, 2025, Marcos said this policy will be the focus of the country’s hosting of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation Summit in 2026.
(Now, we can say that the world holds the Philippines in high regard -- because we deal with other countries in a proper, fair, and calm manner. We also honor our agreements and abide by the laws and rules of the international community.)
However, the President maintained that the Philippines will not falter in defending its rights, as it continues to face threats within its territories.
“Sa harap ng mga bagong banta sa ating kapayapaan at soberanya, mas maigting ngayon ang ating paghahanda, pagmamatyag, at pagtatanggol sa ating sarili,” he said.
(In the face of new threats to our peace and sovereignty, our preparation, vigilance, and defense of ourselves are now more intensified.)
(Nevertheless, we continue to exercise restraint and remain patient, especially in guarding our entire archipelago and protecting our interests. But now, our confidence is even greater because we have more allies who will stand with us in times of great need.)
In 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s claims within the sea areas falling within the nine dash line, which is over 90 percent of the West Philippine Sea, which is the southern portion of the South China Sea.
China has been insisting on sovereignty in the South China Sea, releasing in August 2023 an updated “official standard map” of its geographical territories that now includes a ten-dash line.
Marcos has repeatedly maintained that the Philippines under his administration will not give up even a single inch to any other nations.
Marcos also lauded and commended the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who continue to champion the Philippines abroad.
This includes the Filipino seafarers who continue with their jobs despite the risk they have to face.
Recently, the Houthi rebels attacked two cargo ships in the Red Sea, M/V Eternity C and M/V Magic Seas, with 21 and 17 Filipino crew members, respectively.
The 17 crewmembers of M/V Magic Seas were all able to return home safely, while 13 Filipino seafarers of M/V Eternity C have remained missing.
“Kasing-sidhi ang paglingap natin sa ating mga kababayang nasa ibang bansa, lalo na ang nasa panganib at nagdadaan sa matinding pagsubok. Hindi po biro at sadyang mapanganib ang hanapbuhay ng ating tripulante. Ang trahedya na sinapit nila sa kamay ng mga rebeldeng Houthi ay isang halimbawa,” said Marcos.
(We show the same deep concern for our fellow Filipinos abroad, especially those in danger or going through severe hardships. The work of our seafarers is no joke -- it is truly risky. The tragedy they suffered at the hands of the Houthi rebels is one such example.)
He also expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and all the leaders of various countries that have granted clemency and have shown kindness to beleaguered Filipinos.
Over the past three years, Marcos said over 600 Filipinos who were found guilty of various crimes in those countries were granted executive clemency and were brought back home. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)