We are deeply thankful that president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared what Filipinos would like to hear; that the 2016 Arbitral Ruling is not a claim but already a right; that our sovereignty is "sacred" and that he would not "allow a single millimeter of our maritime coastal rights to be trampled upon." War has never been an option for the Philippines as war outlawed by our Constitution and international law. However, the president, as chief protector of our national territory, has various ways to fulfil his sacred duty to the Filipino people.

Del Rosario, A. (2022, May 28). On BBM upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling. The Philippine Star, p. 7.