POE ON JULIAN FELIPE REEF:

The West Philippine Sea is ours. It is incumbent upon the government to defend and preserve every inch of the territory of the Filipino people.

We must protect our fishermen's right to livelihood in our seas. Clearly, they are among our most vulnerable population who brave the perils of the ocean just to put food on every Filipino's table. They sail for days in order to reach fishing sanctuaries and remain there for weeks, hopeful to make a few hundreds of pesos when they sail home.

We must not allow our sovereignty to be trampled on and mocked.

Our government must come on strong and true to defend and protect our EEZ. It is its sworn duty to stand up against all acts that are inimical to the highest interest of our country and people.