“Our unity strengthens our nation.”
Ikinatuwa ni National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año ang naging resulta ng survey ng OCTA Research kung saan 84% daw ng mga Pilipino ang sumusuporta sa hakbang ng pamahalaan para ipaglaban ang West Philippine Sea (WPS) sa kabila ng presensya ng China.
Matatandaang sa inilabas na resulta ng OCTA noong Biyernes, Enero 17, 84% ng mga Pinoy na nasa edad 18 pataas ang nagsabing suportado nila ang paraan ng gobyerno upang ipaglaban ang soberanya ng bansa sa WPS, at 91% daw ang may kamalayan sa isyu.
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Sa isang pahayag nitong Sabado, Enero 18, nagpasalamat si Año sa mga Pilipinong sumusuporta sa kanilang hakbang sa WPS.
“This affirmation from the people reflects a shared commitment to protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” ani Año.
“The survey results demonstrate a clear and widespread understanding of the importance of this issue. With 91% of Filipinos aware of the ongoing territorial disputes, it is evident that the public is not only informed but also united in supporting the country's efforts to defend its rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea,” dagdag niya.
Kaugnay nito, binanggit ni Año na kumikilos ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas nang buong alinsunod sa parehong lokal at internasyonal na batas.
“The Philippine Maritime Zones Law and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law provide the legal framework through which the government asserts control over our maritime zones and secures the rights of our people,” aniya.
“These laws are aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which decisively rejected claims inconsistent with Philippine sovereignty in the South China Sea, affirming our rights to the waters, islands, and resources within the West Philippine Sea. This ruling is binding under international law and remains a cornerstone of our position.”
Nangako si Año na patuloy nilang ipaglalaban ang mga sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, at ang pangangalaga sa lahat ng aktibidad sa ekonomiya sa WPS, lalo na raw sa mga mangingisda.
“The unity and awareness shown by Filipinos across all regions, socio-economic classes, and both rural and urban areas are vital as we continue to address these challenges,” ani Año.
“We thank the Filipino people for their continued trust and support. Our unity strengthens our nation,” saad pa niya.
