Marie D.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to sustain external defense operations as Manila confronts continuing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said. The instruction comes as the government sharpens its defense posture and keeps its plans quiet while adjusting to fast-changing regional threats.

Article by Marie D. Published on July 01, 2026 08:30AM Understanding maritime rights is essential for safeguarding the interests and sovereignty of the Philippines, especially in the context of the West Philippine Sea. The country's maritime zones are rich in natural resources and hold strategic importance. Educating citizens about these rights empowers them to participate actively in protecting the nation's marine heritage and environment. This explores why maritime rights education is...

China-ASEAN ties are not just a contest between danger and opportunity; they are also a contest over who gets to define the region’s rules, and the Philippines sits near the center of that argument. From Manila’s view, the relationship is less an abstract story of growth than a lived mix of maritime pressure, trade dependence, and the constant need to defend agency in the West Philippine Sea.