Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Friday the Philippines has no intention of becoming a 'belligerent' nation in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that the country remains focused on defending its territory, exercising its sovereign rights, and promoting regional peace and stability.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos made these remarks during a presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at the Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila. He emphasized that the Philippines does not aspire to be a belligerent force in the region, clarifying that the nation is dedicated solely to the defense of its territory and the exercise of its sovereign rights.

Marcos further stated that the country's main concerns are defending its territorial independence and promoting consent and support in line with these goals. His comments came in response to inquiries about whether the Philippines would permit the United States to initiate offensive actions from its bases and territory.

The President distinguished the Philippines' foreign policy from that of other nations, including the United States, asserting that the decisions other countries make regarding their foreign policies are internal matters for them. He reiterated that the Philippines is not interested in adopting a belligerent stance but is committed to the defense of the republic and the acknowledgment of its territorial independence.