By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the integrity of the Philippines on the global stage, citing the level of respect and attention that the country obtains from other nations in his speech at the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, this Monday.

The President said, “Ngayon, masasabi natin na mataas na ang tingin ng buong mundo sa Pilipinas dahil maayos, patas, at mahinahon tayong nakikitungo sa iba’t ibang mga bansa. Tumutupad din tayo sa ating mga kasunduan, at sa mga batas at panuntunan ng pandaigdig na komunidad.”

He also called on Filipinos and concerned government agencies and officials to exercise vigilance and readiness to defend the integrity, sovereignty, and territorial rights of the Philippines amid challenges that threaten to destabilize the Southeast Asian nation.

President Marcos reminded everyone, “Sa harap ng mga bagong banta sa ating kapayapaan at soberanya, mas maigting ngayon ang ating paghahanda, pagmamatyag, at pagtatanggol sa ating sarili.”

The President added, “Gayunpaman, tayo pa rin ay nagtitimpi at nananatiling mapagpasensya, lalo na sa pagtanod sa ating buong kapuluan at sa pangangalaga sa ating interes.”

He however emphasized his heightened confidence and trust of the country’s disposition in spite of these looming threats, noting the presence of several allied nations that the Philippines can count on in times of need.

The Chief Executive said, hinting at the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026, “Then [and] now, our foreign policy remains the same: ‘The Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none.’ That will be our main focus as we, the Philippines, host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.”

Looking after OFWs

President Marcos likewise expressed gratitude to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), whom he regards as the country’s “new heroes” and role models showcasing the world-renowned innate talent, kindness, and hospitality of Filipinos in several nations across the world.

He also vowed to look after the welfare of the migrant workers, noting the dangers and risks associated with working in foreign land.

The Chief Executive said, “Hindi po biro at sadyang mapanganib ang hanapbuhay ng ating tripulante. Ang trahedya na sinapit nila sa kamay ng mga rebeldeng Houthi ay isang halimbawa.”

The President said, “Matapos ang mahigit apat na raang araw, ang mga kababayan natin na binihag ng rebeldeng Houthi ay pinalaya na rin, dala ng ating pakikipagtulungan sa Sultanate of Oman.”

President Marcos also tackled the government’s successful dialogue with their counterparts from Middle Eastern nations, notably UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, which helped in the granting of pardon and clemency on more than 600 Filipinos who faced charges for various law breaches in these countries.

The Chief Executive remarked, “For their crucial and most beneficent sovereign interventions, I personally convey the entire nation’s sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and to all the leaders of various countries that have granted clemency and have shown kindness to our beleaguered compatriots. Maraming, maraming salamat po. Thank you very, very much.”

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