Philippine News Agency
PBBM among most influential leaders in SE Asia – Aussie think tank
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has been recognized by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute as one of the most influential and closely watched leaders in Southeast Asia.
Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr. Michael Fullilove noted Marcos's role in bolstering the Philippines' determination to defend its sovereignty.
Dr. Fullilove highlighted the significant changes in the Philippines since Marcos took office in June 2022, suggesting that individual leadership matters in political change.
President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' commitment to defending its sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, stating "We shall never surrender even a square inch of our territory and our maritime jurisdiction."
He added that the Philippine government is upgrading its capabilities to defend its sovereignty by enhancing the Coast Guard and pursuing the modernization of the Armed Forces through the Re-Horizon 3 acquisition plan, in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.
During his speaking engagement at the Lowy Institute, President Marcos was applauded for strongly standing his ground on the West Philippine Sea disputes.
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