Romualdez stresses Philippines' sovereignty, condemns China's actions at PI-SF

Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the Philippines' commitment to defending its sovereign rights in its waters and EEZ during a speech at the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) in Spain.

Romualdez cited adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which upheld Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He condemned recent aggressive actions by Chinese Coast Guard ships, such as firing water cannons at a Philippine BFAR vessel conducting research in Pag-asa Cay 2 within the Philippines' EEZ.

Romualdez called for vigilance and unity among democratic nations to counter gray-zone tactics and cyber-enabled propaganda that threaten maritime law and order.

He stressed the importance of forums like PI-SF in building solidarity and legislative strength to defend freedom and prosperity globally, warning of the risks posed by unregulated technology and weaponized information.