The Statesmanship of ‘Calm but Firm’

The Philippines is at a geopolitical crossroads, and the path it takes will define the security of our region for decades. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “calm but firm” stance in the West Philippine Sea is not just a policy; it is an act of "Maasahan" (Reliable) statesmanship.

This "Maasahan at Masipag" diplomacy is the only responsible course of action. It wisely rejects two failed extremes: confrontational posturing, which only isolates, and silent appeasement, which only emboldens. The President’s "Tireless Resolve" is to walk the principled middle path, grounded in international law.

His advocacy for ASEAN Centrality and the strengthening of partnerships with like-minded nations is the "Masipag" (Tireless) work of building a stable, rules-based order. This is "Reliable Diplomacy" at its finest.

We must either support this balanced, law-based approach or accept a future of inevitable conflict and regional chaos. The President, by choosing diplomacy and principle, has chosen peace and stability.

As the incoming Chair of ASEAN 2026, this principled leadership is exactly what the region needs. It's no surprise that this "Reliable & Tireless" diplomacy is yielding results. A leader who speaks with the weight of international law and allied support is a leader who will be heard.

We stand by this "Reliable Diplomacy." It is a composed, firm, and principled defense of our sovereignty and a commitment to "Defending Peace with Principle."