MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not allow the Philippines to lose control over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said Thursday, following the detection of a Chinese "floating structure" in the disputed shoal.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the President was fully aware of developments in Bajo de Masinloc and continued to favor diplomatic and legal measures in addressing maritime disputes.
"The President will not allow that to happen. We know the President's true stance when it comes to protecting the interests of Filipinos and our interests in the West Philippine Sea," Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
"So we continue to stand firm on our rights and on what we must defend," she added.
