00:00Standing up to acts of aggression, bullying, and harassment has been the Philippine government's stance in defense of its sovereignty and rightful claim to its maritime territories.
00:09The devolved national security policy, predicated in part on partnerships with like-minded nations committed to the rule of law.
00:16So reminds the president to his audience in the first ever Manila Strategy Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which her Kenneth Paschenta covered in this story.
00:25In the face of recent tensions, President Ferdinand R. Marcus Jr. reiterated that the Philippines' position remains unwavering on the issue of sovereignty, security, and unity in the Indo-Pacific region.
00:40The president made this statement during his attendance at the first ever Manila Strategy Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS.
00:49He stressed how the Philippines faces maritime threats every single day from illegal, aggressive, and dangerous actions within its own territory.
00:58We in the Philippines can say this with certainty because we face the threat every single day.
01:06Our government vessels and fisherfolk continue to be harassed in our own waters, and we remain on the receiving end of illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the South China Sea.
01:18The chief executive highlighted the importance of such forums, given the significant role of the Indo-Pacific in global peace and order, as well as the importance of strengthening the alliance of the Philippines with other countries, such as the United States.
01:31The alliance of the Philippines and the United States has reached a necessary and natural progression towards trilateral and minilateral, multilateral engagements, building individual and collective capabilities to address common challenges.
01:48The president also pointed out that beyond defense, these partnerships expand economic opportunities, including railway projects, advancements in technology, and maritime development.
02:18And as the next chair of ASEAN, the Philippines will again showcase the region's capacity in the face of global changes.
02:25In its almost 60 years of existence, ASEAN has enjoyed decades of unparalleled growth and enduring peace, thanks to its unique brand of multilateralism.
02:36Its extended relations have also grown exponentially, and I look forward to welcoming the world, including President Trump, to the Philippines next year to showcase ASEAN's significant achievements and potential.
02:51Kenneth Paciente, from the National TV Network, for a new and better Philippines.
