About Bongbong Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly criticized the Philippine Senate majority in early June 2026 for canceling sessions, urging them to "get back to work." He stated that the legislature was in "disarray" and that he did not understand why it would "decide to stop working," noting that the executive and judiciary continue to function. Marcos argued that the cancellations violated constitutional rules requiring three days' notice and a valid reason, and he expressed concern that the impasse was hindering the passage of laws needed to provide aid during a crisis.
In May 2026, Marcos hosted the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where he emphasized the need for the bloc to respond with unity to global challenges, particularly the conflict in the Middle East. He announced that ASEAN leaders agreed to establish an ASEAN Maritime Center and called for the ratification of agreements on petroleum security and the ASEAN power grid. During a state visit to Japan, Marcos said the two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and that the Philippines secured $3.4 billion in investment pledges. Domestically, Marcos dismissed rumors about his health, challenging critics to join him in the gym, and announced measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices, including cutting excise taxes on LPG and kerosene.
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Bongbong Marcos's recent appearances.
Browse all interviews →
✨ AI-enhanced transcript with speaker attribution
N
Narrator0:00
The Philippines can yield the Philippines can yield. West Philippine Sea. This is not just our imagination. It is ours.
China vessel 5901, you are currently sailing inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone.
B
Bongbong Marcos0:39
[Applause] And this will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved Philippines burns.
N
Narrator0:55
In his State of the Nation Address in 2024, President Bongbong Marcos asserted the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea. Marcos also emphasized the continued use of diplomacy in resolving disputes without surrendering the Philippines' position. Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means for disputes. After a year, we are now in a better place regarding the issue of the West Philippine Sea. Maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes make this internationally firm, taking root in the hearts and minds of all our people. November 8, 2024. The President signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act defines the country's maritime zones in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It aims to clarify the extent of the Philippines' waters and the country's legal authority over those areas. Meanwhile, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act specifies the routes that foreign vessels and aircraft may use when passing through Philippine territory.
In January 2025, the China Coast Guard vessel 5901, dubbed the 'Monster Ship,' was again spotted in the West Philippine Sea. Aside from the monster ship, other China Coast Guard vessels and members of the Chinese Maritime Militia conducted intrusive patrols near Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc). China Coast vessel 5901, currently sailing inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone. In response, the Philippines repeatedly issued radio challenges and asserted the country's sovereignty over its own waters. Later, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China's intrusion. Meanwhile, several Philippine vessels also experienced harassment from Chinese naval and air assets in separate incidents over the past year.
B
Bongbong Marcos3:05
Despite China's continued pressure, the Philippines stands firm in its position on the West Philippine Sea. We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts without compromising our position and our principles.
N
Narrator3:22
Also in January 2025, the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea was held between the Philippines and China. Both the Philippines and China agreed to continue dialogue on the South China Sea issue. In his previous SONA, President Marcos also mentioned strengthening the Philippines' defense and alliances with other countries.
B
Bongbong Marcos3:41
We are continuing to strengthen our defensive posture both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states.
N
Narrator3:51
Recently, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to provide defense and security support, including responding to possible armed attack in the West Philippine Sea. During his official US visit this July, Marcos said that the alliance between the Philippines and the United States is a major part of maintaining peace in the South China Sea. Under the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries, the Philippines and the United States are committed to cooperate and support each other on defense and security matters. According to a Pulse Asia survey, 53% of Filipinos believe the current administration should continue asserting the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea. In the same survey, a majority of Filipinos said they support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to defend the country's territory and sovereignty.
