Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for unity among Filipinos regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) drew high praise during his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA), marking it as one of the most impactful moments of the event.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea of the Philippine Coast Guard, highlighted the strong reaction from lawmakers and dignitaries to Marcos's message. This call for unity, he noted, was met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations within the Congress hall. Tarriela emphasized that the appeal for national solidarity transcended differences and was a critical part of the President's speech, underlining the importance of collective action for issues that will affect future generations of Filipinos.

The President concluded his address by honoring the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Coast Guard, and Filipino fisherfolk, commending their continued efforts and risks in patrolling the seas. He reminded the public of the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights over the WPS, and emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect among Filipinos in these challenging times.

In another segment of his SONA, Marcos addressed recent controversies, including a video by China Daily that portrayed Filipinos in a derogatory manner. He reiterated the dignity and nobility of the Filipino people, rejecting accusations of greed and racism. Tarriela expressed a sense of validation from Marcos's firm stance, seeing it as a necessary response to ongoing issues involving the West Philippine Sea, including recent confrontations with Chinese forces.