House Speaker Martin Romualdez called defending the West Philippine Sea (WPS) “a matter of national survival,” as he accepted the rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday evening.
The ceremony was attended by top PCG officers led by Admiral Ronnie Gavan and Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.
“We will not allow ourselves to be disadvantaged in our seas. We will not allow ourselves to be defeated in our territory. The West Philippine Sea is not just a political issue; it is a national cause, a matter of survival, dignity, and sovereignty,” Romualdez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
He said the PCG has been the country’s first line of defense in the face of aggression, intimidation, and illegal incursions by foreign vessels.
“As long as the PCG is guarding our oceans, it will never belong to another country! Your bravery, your discipline, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our maritime territory define the true essence of patriotism,” the Speaker added.
He assured the PCG of continued support from the House of Representatives.
“In the halls of Congress, we work to ensure that the policies we craft strengthen our maritime defense, support our uniformed personnel, and assert our rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea,” he pointed out.
“But beyond legislation, I believe that leadership must also be personal. It must be about standing with those who serve on the frontline: our Coast Guard, our Navy, our fisherfolk who brave the waters every day, knowing that our seas are not just waters; they are our birthright, our lifeline, our future,” the House leader stressed.
Romualdez thanked the Coast Guard for his promotion to its Auxiliary branch.
“To my fellow officers and members of the PCGA, I look forward to working alongside all of you, not just in title, but in action,” he said.
“In these times of great uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the defense of our sovereignty is not just the duty of a select few, it is the responsibility of every Filipino. And today, I reaffirm my dedication to that cause,” the Speaker noted.