Senator Imee Marcos Advocates Following Rizal’s Peaceful Approach in West Philippine Sea Dispute

MANILA – During the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 163rd birthday, Senator Imee Marcos urged the Philippines to embrace the national hero’s principles of peace and dialogue amidst rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the celebration event in Manila, Rizal’s legacy offers timeless lessons in resolving conflicts through peaceful means rather than violence. She highlighted Rizal’s preference for communication and intellectual engagement over armed conflict, evident from his actions during the Filipino Revolution. “As early as the 19th century, Rizal understood the power of communication—how the pen could wield more influence than the sword,” Marcos stated, underscoring the importance of adhering to Rizal’s approach to contemporary geopolitical issues such as the disputes over the West Philippine Sea and tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The senator also noted that Rizal’s influence remains significant internationally, with monuments dedicated to him in both China and Cuba, pointing out that the monument in Jinjiang City, China, is his tallest outside the Philippines. “He believed in changing society through education and dialogue, not through armed conflict,” Marcos added, reinforcing the relevance of Rizal’s teachings in today’s global context.