PCG chief says keynote address in Shangri-La dialogue shows WPS a 'central concern' for Marcos

SINGAPORE - Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said Friday that President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s participation in the 2024 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue shows that he is on top of the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

Gavan told GMA News Online that Marcos' keynote address would depict the Philippine government's stance on keeping a rules-based order in the region, adding that it is also an ''integral matter'' in the international realm. 

''To us his attendance means, amongst others, that the WPS/SCS issue is a central concern for the President, that he is on top of the situation, and that he is conveying to all an informed recognition that keeping a peaceful and rules-based order over the area is not only an existential challenge for the Philippines but also an integral matter for the globalized maritime world,'' Gavan said in a message.

''That it is the common interest of all law-abiding and peace-oriented nations to continue to dialogue with mutual respect and openness as peers in order to find the best way towards keeping a safe, secure and prosperous rules-based order in the WPS/SCS for the good of all,'' he added. 

Gavan will also speak at the dialogue, which is considered as Asia's premier defense summit. 

Marcos had said the invitation for him to participate at the dialogue was important as this recognizes the challenges currently faced by the Philippines.

The fact that they asked the Philippine President to come and speak on that very subject is significant in the sense that it is a recognition that there are challenges that are facing the Philippines," Marcos said during an interview with reporters in Brunei. 

He said he would discuss the ways forward for the Philippines and for the region amid the challenges.

The President's speech will mark the opening of the 21st edition of the dialogue, which is Asia's premier defense summit.

Previous keynote speakers included Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. —VAL, GMA Integrated News