The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) affirmed that it will be “business as usual” in fulfilling its core mandate of safeguarding national sovereignty, particularly defending the country’s rights on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday,  AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the country’s independent foreign policy remains unchanged and continues to guide military actions.

“So basically, as you have said, the independent foreign policy has not changed. So it will still be business as usual for us in the Armed Forces in terms of how we will be safeguarding our sovereignty,” said Padilla.

Padilla noted that a command conference was held prior to the SONA, where President Marcos provided “clear guidance” for the AFP’s operations moving forward.

“Nonetheless, for the whole of the SONA, we take cue from the Department of National Defense from our SND (Secretary of National Defense) pronouncements and we'll be continuing to continue to perform our mandate accordingly.

Echoing this, AFP spokesperson for WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, reiterated the military’s commitment to defending the country’s territory amid growing tensions, particularly in the WPS.

“First and foremost, we do not comment on matters of national policy. But what is very clear to the Armed Forces is that we will keep performing our mandate of securing our national territory and protecting the integrity of our, protecting our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Trinidad declared.

“The Department of National Defense has been very clear. We will be resistant and unwavering against the aggressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party. In performing our mandate, the Armed Forces is prepared to sacrifice limb and life,” he added. 

Strengthening alliances, modernization

In his SONA, Marcos highlighted intensified preparation and vigilance in the face of emerging threats. 

In response, Trinidad cited the AFP’s increased international defense cooperation under the Marcos administration.

“We do not count the cost when we conduct air surveillance flights, maritime patrols and even foot patrols in our hinterlands,” he said.

“We do not count the cost when we conduct HADR activities in furtherance of our mandate to secure the welfare of the Filipino people. Your Armed Forces is prepared to sacrifice, pay even the ultimate sacrifice in furtherance of this mandate,” he added.

Trinidad also mentioned the country’s ongoing cooperation with its allied nations, citing the Visiting Forces Agreement with New Zealand and the newly ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan.

“From 2022 onwards, we’ve seen an escalation in defense diplomacy. There’s the RAA with Japan, the VFA with New Zealand, and greater engagement with like-minded nations. These activities help show that the AFP is not alone in upholding international law,” Trinidad noted.

These partnerships, he said, are not limited to the WPS but span the entire archipelago, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, as the military shifts from an internal to an external defense orientation.

Calm But firm

Despite aggressive actions by foreign powers, particularly in the WPS, Trinidad said the AFP maintains a strategy of calculated restraint.

“We are focusing also on our southern borders, on our eastern seaboard, and also on the northern islands, Batanes and Babuyan,” said Trinidad. 

“We are doing this through the efforts of the Armed Forces, plus our capability enhancements under the modernization program, and of course with the assistance from our partners and allies.”

For her part, Padilla reaffirmed the AFP’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional duties:

“The AFP doesn’t just serve, we deliver—whether it’s defending our democracy, protecting our seas, or saving lives, we remain your steadfast guardians because in a world full of uncertainties, there's one thing you can always count on,” she said.