Boats joining the Atin Ito civilian convoy sail near the Pag-asa Islands in the West Philippine Sea on May 28, 2025. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday (June 21, 2025) said he would not allow any foreign power to seize even an inch of Philippine territory. (Photo courtesy of Atin Ito)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s strong stance on safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, declaring that he will not allow any foreign force to claim “even an inch” of Philippine territory.
Speaking in the latest episode of his podcast aired Saturday, Marcos underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights, especially over the West Philippine Sea.
“We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic. We continue to defend the territory of the Republic. And we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic,” he said.
The President stressed that while the Philippines is not looking for conflict, it will not stand idly by if its citizens—especially Filipino fishermen—are harassed or blocked from accessing their own waters.
“We’re not looking for a fight, but don’t bully the fisher folk. Don’t block us in our own territory,” Marcos emphasized in Filipino.
Marcos said that allowing foreign incursions, no matter how small, could lead to greater territorial losses in the long run. “We will fight for our territory because if you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. So, you cannot allow even the one inch,” he said.
To bolster the country’s maritime security and control over its waters, Marcos signed two landmark laws in November 2024—Republic Act No. 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and Republic Act No. 12065, or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
RA 12064 formally defines the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial seas, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the continental shelf. This law provides the legal framework for the country to carry out economic, social, and environmental activities in these zones.
Meanwhile, RA 12065 establishes designated sea lanes and air routes for foreign ships and aircraft, ensuring they pass through the archipelago in a safe and regulated manner. The measure aims to prevent unauthorized or arbitrary passage within Philippine waters.
Through these actions, the Marcos administration is reinforcing the country’s claim and control over its maritime domain, sending a clear message: Philippine territory is non-negotiable.
