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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leads the 90th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 19, 2025.
Noel Pabalate / The Philippine STAR
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday gave assurance of the national government’s sustained commitment to defend the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea amid China’s continuing harassment of Philippine vessels in the region.
“What is ours is ours. We stand our ground without purpose and without apology,” he said in a speech during the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo.
“In our maritime domain, we continue to conduct cooperative activities, demonstrating that we are a responsible member of the international community, committed to upholding international law. And in the same vein, we remain firm and clear with our stance,” Marcos said.
He noted that amidst peace and conflict, the military “has carried the responsibility of safeguarding our republic, keeping our nation sovereign, standing and secure for nine decades now.
“The AFP maintains a total force of more than 160,000 men and women. Today, I acknowledge every soldier, navy, marine and air force personnel who stands watch today,” he said.
As the military celebrates its 90th year, Marcos said he honors “with deepest respect those who have risked their lives, especially our fallen soldiers, who answered the call of duty while knowing full well the cost so that our flag might continue to fly free.
“Over the past year, the AFP has continued to deliver results in both internal and external security. Our defense posture has been strengthened through their presence, preparedness and professionalism,” he added.
He also said the Philippines “rejects in the strongest term the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism” following the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. — Helen Flores
