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NSA Eduardo M. AΓ±o has reaffirmed the transparency policy as cornerstone of Philippine strategy in countering Chinese actions in the WPS and reiterated the countryβs continued leadership in advancing a rules-based maritime order as ASEAN Chair this year.
Speaking at the 2nd Founding Anniversary of the PCG WPSTG at the Rizal Park Hotel Manila last February 26, AΓ±o underscored the central role of transparency in the countryβs national strategy.
βAt the heart of our national strategy lies the necessity of transparency to counter China’s gray zone activities,β he said. βBy uniting in this way, we safeguard not just our sovereign rights but the sustainability of the seas that sustain millions across Southeast Asia,β he added.
It will be remembered that the transparency policy was first advanced by AΓ±o in 2023 when he assumed as Chair of the NTF-WPS. He recognized that informing the Filipino people with verified facts was essential to overcoming fear, dispelling defeatist narratives, and strengthening national resolve. βLet me be clear: transparency is not provocation. It is a principled and necessary approach to asserting our sovereign rights without resorting to aggression. By embracing transparency, we are not escalating tensions; we are deescalating them through clarity and resolve,β he stressed.
Since 2023, the transparency policy has since evolved into a sustained national doctrine anchored on discipline, credibility, and adherence to international law. βWe have exposed Chinese maneuvers for what they truly are: ICAD actions. By systematically documenting and publicizing these incidents, we impose significant reputational costs on the aggressor, deterring further escalation and establishing credible below-the-threshold deterrence,β he said.
He also stressed the importance of countering disinformation. βBy releasing verified footage, eyewitness accounts, and factual reports from the frontlines, we directly debunk these falsehoods in real-time, validating our position and exposing the manipulative intent behind them,β he added.
The NSA also emphasized that transparency has reshaped the global understanding of the issue, βTransparency has helped reframe the WPS not as an isolated bilateral dispute but as a broader challenge to international norms and the rules-based order, in which all countries have a stake.β
He also highlighted the results of a Pulse Asia survey reflecting strong domestic support for the governmentβs policy, stating βThe Pulse Asia survey revealed that an overwhelming 94% of Filipinos support the government’s transparency policy and believe we should continue publicly exposing China’s coercive actions.β
βMoreover, 77% of adult Filipinos said that they are willing to fight for our country in the event of a conflict over our territorial claims. These numbers reflect a people united, ready to stand firm against aggression because they understand the stakes through the lens of transparency you have provided,β he said.
Paying tribute to the officers and personnel of the PCG-WPSTG led by Commo Tarriela, NSA commended their service, saying βYour unwavering commitment, the bravery of your men and women on the front lines, and your innovative approach to shining a light on the realities in our waters deserve the highest commendation.β
The NSA affirmed the enduring national stake in the West Philippine Sea. He said, βThe WPS is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our livelihood, and our future. Together, through transparency, unity, and steadfast determination, we will prevail.β
