Manila, July 22 -- The Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights and interests over the West Philippine Sea.

This was the commitment President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. promised to the Filipino people in his 3rd State of the Nation Address - a policy statement that continues to guide government action over the resource-rich water.

In instances where Philippine maritime missions are met with aggressive and dangerous Chinese actions, Manila is unyielding in airing its strong protest.

Equally committed to maintaining peace without compromising the country's position, the Marcos administration exerts the same amount of effort at defusing tensions by keeping its communication lines for dialogue open.

More tangibly, Mar...