The Philippines stands firm on defending its territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea while remaining dedicated to diplomatic resolutions, National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban declared Friday during the 3rd Balangay Forum 2026 in Pasay City.
The statement follows a heated exchange between Manila and Beijing officials. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. recently condemned the “rude behavior” of a Chinese diplomat who passed a note questioning the 2016 Arbitral Award and alleging that UNCLOS violates international law. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused Teodoro of a “striking lack of basic decency” for criticizing Beijing’s political system.
Speaking at the forum, Oban clarified the nation’s balanced stance. “The Philippines seeks peaceful relations with all nations. We remain committed to diplomacy, dialogue, and constructive engagement wherever cooperation is possible,” he noted. “At the same time, we will continue to exercise our sovereign rights and fulfill our responsibilities under international law with consistency and confidence.”
Oban reaffirmed the country’s alignment with UNCLOS and highlighted the Philippines’ strategic role as an “archipelagic sentinel” in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability. However, he warned that “the West Philippine Sea continues to test our resolve through coercive actions and persistent attacks to undermine our lawful maritime rights.”
To counter these challenges, Oban urged regional partners to bolster information-sharing practices, emphasizing that “accurate and timely information improves disaster response, enhances maritime safety, protects fishermen, strengthens environmental monitoring, and reduces the risk of miscalculation at sea.”