By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

At the Malacañang press briefing this Tuesday, July 15, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro discussed details regarding President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a previous briefing, Castro shared that the President’s SONA would contain a comprehensive report on the country’s progress on several sectors, such as infrastructure, agriculture, the economy, diplomatic ties, national security, and digitalization.

“Ito po ay pine-prepare na ng Pangulo. Siya po mismo ang nag-aaral kung ano ang kaniyang isisiwalat at ire-report sa SONA,” Castro said.

President Marcos Jr. is scheduled to deliver his fourth SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 28.

At the event, award-winning Filipino pop singer Sofronio Vasquez would lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem, whose participation is a fitting tribute to Filipino talent and national pride.

Vasquez is best known for being the first Filipino and first male Asian winner of the American talent competition, The Voice. Prior to his international success, he finished as a finalist in the second season of Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2017 and placed third on his return to the Filipino talent competition in 2019.

On PH sovereignty in WPS

At the same press briefing, Castro reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, asserting the country’s sovereignty through diplomacy and constructive dialogue.

“Sang-ayon sa paninindigan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., patuloy na ipinaglalaban ng pamahalaan ang soberanya ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea sa pamamagitan ng diplomacy, capability-building, international partnerships, at mapayapang pamamaraan,” she emphasized.

The Palace press briefer also rallied Filipinos to support the 2016 Arbitral Award that honors the Philippines’ stake over the Kalayaan group of islands and Bajo de Masinloc, as well as other features of the WPS that are part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and declares China’s claim to historic rights lacks legal basis.

Furthermore, Castro cited the Pulse Asia survey, conducted from June 26 to June 30, which showed that 73 percent of respondents want the government to continue asserting the country’s sovereign rights in the WPS.

“Naninindigan ang Marcos Jr. administration na nanatiling legally binding at nagsisilbing cornerstone ng international maritime law ang arbitral ruling na siya ring nagsilbing gabay sa national policy, kabilang na ang Philippine Maritime Zones Act, at nagpapalakas sa legal at operational posture ng bansa,” she added.

On PBBM’s trust in DND Sec. Teodoro

Meanwhile, Castro reassured the media that the Chief Executive’s full trust and confidence in Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro remains intact amid rumors surrounding his previous Maltese citizenship.

“Secretary Gibo still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President,” Castro told reporters, confirming President Marcos Jr.’s awareness of Teodoro’s past dual citizenship status.

However, she emphasized that the matter has long been addressed, with the DND confirming that Teodoro has formally renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, prior to rejoining public service in 2022 and his appointment as the Defense chief in 2023. 

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