Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fully supports Philippine officials defending the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as China steps up public criticism of Filipino figures who are vocal against Beijing's illegal activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President has given clear instructions to government agencies to assert Philippine interests and sovereignty, emphasizing that Marcos will not yield any part of the country's territory. Castro highlighted the President's commitment, quoting him as saying he will not surrender even a square inch of the nation's territory. The emphasis remains on diplomacy, with agencies expected to continue their lawful actions to uphold the country's maritime rights.

Castro assured that the Palace stands by Philippine officials as long as their actions are lawful and aligned with the nation's advocacy to protect its maritime rights. This statement came in response to the Chinese Embassy in Manila's public criticism of several Filipino officials, including Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela and lawmakers vocal against China's activities in the WPS.

In a separate statement, the National Security Council (NSC) described the recent public statements by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Manila as 'undiplomatic and uncalled for,' asserting that such statements undermine Philippine institutions. The NSC affirmed that Philippine officials are duty-bound to inform the public on national security developments without requiring approval from any foreign government.

The Council further reiterated that the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea invalidated China's so-called nine-dash line and affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights. It noted that China's continued refusal to comply with the ruling remains the root of tensions in the West Philippine Sea.