Marcos says PH to continue on path of peace, relations with US robust

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday said the Philippines will maintain peace through diplomacy and dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region, as he underscored the country's robust relations with the United States while commemorating the Liberation of Manila.

"The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and amongst nations, has always chosen the path of peace. And I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so. Through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous," Marcos said in his speech at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City during the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila.

Marcos added the Philippines "will always stand for what is right," as it aims to continue to work with the international community in building bridges and forging solutions to preserve the global commons.

The President said that the Philippines and the US, firmly founded on values and principles such as peace, democracy, fairness, social progress, and justice, are committed to preserving and enhancing national security, achieving economic prosperity, and promoting the rights and well-being of their citizens.

"Whether we gather, as we do today, to remember the liberation of Manila some 80 years ago, or during joint military exercises, as our Armed Forces will in a few weeks' time, for Balikatan, there is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries continuing to work together to address common challenges," he said.

Marcos paid his respects to the soldiers who suffered and lost their lives at the infamous Bataan Death March, the Battle of Corregidor, and the war in general, as well as to the war veterans present at the event.

"We are privileged to not have to see what you had seen, to not have ingrained in our memories what you had to go through. May we continue to deserve living and thriving in this world that you have built for us," he said.

Filipinos fought alongside American troops in many battles against the Japanese, including the campaign to liberate Manila beginning in February 1945.

On March 3, 1945, the month-long battle came to an end, leaving the city destroyed and thousands dead.

The Philippines was under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. — VBL, GMA Integrated News