Manila, Feb. 6 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the ongoing presence of China's "monster ship" in Philippine waters.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Marcos emphasized that Manila will maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of the actions taken by Beijing.

"They will always find the Philippine presence, no matter what they do. Kahit na banggain ang barko natin, kahit mag-water cannon sila, mag-laser sila, kahit mag-block sila - kahit anong gawin nila, laging nandiyan ang Pilipinas (Even of they ram our ships, water cannon us, fire us with laser or block our way, no matter what they do, the Philipp...