MANILA, Philippines- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renewed his support for a rules-based international order as China aggressively expanded its presence in the West Philippine Sea, deploying what Manila described as a floating "structure" inside the disputed Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
Speaking before members of the diplomatic corps during the Vin d'Honneur reception at Malacañan Palace marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence on Friday, the President said the country's commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter remained steadfast and unwavering.
"As we have always done, as a founding member of the United Nations, the Philippines will work with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order," Marcos told foreign diplomats.
"These, we will always uphold and advance in the global community," he added.
Marcos said the Philippines drew the strength it needed for nation-building from deep and enduring friendships with other countries.
"My meetings with fellow leaders during my four years of administration provided an excellent opportunity to bolster our bilateral ties across many sectors, foster closer people-to-people relations, develop closer cooperation on new and emerging issues of mutual concern, all in pursuit of shared peace, progress, and prosperity," he said.
