President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy of upholding the rule of law and protecting human dignity took center stage as the Department of National Defense (DND) led the observance of the 77th International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday that the commemoration, led by Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that government actions remain anchored on the Constitution, international law, and respect for human rights.
Castro said the observance reflects President Marcos’ directive to strengthen adherence to the rule of law while promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law, which protects civilians and other persons not taking part in armed conflict and regulates the conduct of hostilities.
She said the DND underscored that International Humanitarian Law remains a vital framework for safeguarding human dignity during armed conflict by protecting non-combatants, including children and other vulnerable groups, while prohibiting acts that constitute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
According to Castro, the DND also emphasized that compliance with International Humanitarian Law is a shared responsibility requiring stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
The DND likewise stressed that discipline, accountability, and respect for the rights and dignity of every individual are essential in advancing peace, national security, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Castro said Teodoro recently had an interview in Malaysia stressed that the same adherence to international law guides the Philippines’ efforts to protect its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
She said Teodoro reaffirmed that the Philippines continues to pursue a rules-based approach in asserting its maritime rights, including those recognized under the 2016 Arbitral Award, stressing that the country’s actions are firmly grounded in international law.
“Hindi mananatiling zone of neutrality o puwedeng mangyari ang zone of neutrality sa ASEAN. Paano natin makakamit iyan kung hindi ipaglalaban? Ipinakita natin ang benepisyo ng Philippines at ang kanyang maritime domain sa ASEAN. Inilahad din natin ang mga rulings sa Arbitral Award na walang debate. Ang ating operations ay nakabatay sa law. Walang maniniwala kung hindi nakabatay sa law iyan,” Castro quoted Teodoro as saying.
Castro said that the Defense chief also called on Filipinos to remain united in defending the country’s maritime rights and national interests through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.
The administration’s emphasis on the rule of law echoes President Marcos’ call in his recent State of the Nation Address for Filipinos to unite in pursuing the nation’s shared aspirations.
“Dahil tayo man ay magkakaiba sa maraming bagay, iisa lang tayong lahi. Tayong lahat ay Pilipino. Pilipino sa diwa, Pilipino sa dugo,” Castro said, quoting the President. (PND)
