Marcos: ‘We did not yield’ on West Philippine Sea issue

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that he wants history to remember him as the Chief Executive who “did not yield” on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic,” Marcos said in Part 4 of the BBM Podcast: Episode 2, which aired on Saturday.

“We continue to defend the territory of the Republic. And we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic,” he emphasized.

READ: WPS fisheries pushed to assert sovereignty

According to Marcos, the Philippine government will not fight as long as China will not attack Filipino fishermen and block the territory.

“We're not fighting. But don't hit the fishermen, okay? Don't block us in our territory. We'll really fight for that,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“Because if you give it to them, they will give you — like they say, ‘you give them an inch, they will take a mile.’ So, you cannot allow it even one inch,” he added.

READ: Marcos stance on WPS steadfast: ‘What is ours is ours’ – Palace

‘Three years left in office’

In the same podcast episode, Marcos was asked about “one thing” that he wants people to remember him for after he finishes his term of presidency in 2028 — only three years from now.

“We made a change for the better,” Marcos said. “This has been my guide in all the positions I've taken.”

Marcos also mentioned that the worst thing that can happen is after a president sits in the position and then ends his term, “nothing changes.”

“So, I absolutely insist that in 2028, when I leave this office, there are significant and tangible changes for the better in the life of each Filipino,” added Marcos. /mr

(2025/06/21-18:07)