PM Marcos vows Philippines ‘cannot capitulate’ in territorial disputes

MANILA: After escalating South China Sea clashes with Beijing, President Ferdinand Marcos stated Monday that the Philippines “cannot yield” in territorial disputes.

Manila and Beijing have long disputed portions of the key waterway that transports trillions of dollars of trade.

Marcos stated the Philippines would “find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas… without compromising our position and our principles” without citing China.

“The Philippines won’t yield. Marcos told Congress in his annual State of the Nation address that the Philippines cannot waver.

He made these remarks after the Philippines and China reached a “provisional arrangement” for resupply missions to Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal, which has seen deadly skirmishes in recent months.