September 19, 2024 (Makati City) — Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, during his keynote address at the Philippine Bar Association’s (PBA) 132nd Foundation Day and Law Day Celebration on Thursday.

“Can the rule of law prevail over a bully? My answer is that it must. It must, because if a greater force prevails without any legal foundation, it becomes a bigger bully,” Secretary Teodoro said.

Emphasizing the vital role of the legal community in defending the country’s maritime claims, especially in the West Philippine Sea, Secretary Teodoro called for the development of a dedicated cadre of international public law advocates who can elevate the Philippines’ presence in international legal arenas.

“We need to produce a dedicated cadre of international public law advocates with gravitas and credibility in the international sphere,” he stated.

“We have the law on our side, but the battleground is for other countries to help us recognize our rights. Hence, one of the foundational principles of the Marcos administration is defense alliances and collective action by like-minded countries,” the Secretary added.

The Defense Chief also discussed the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), aimed at projecting deterrence from the baselines to the edges of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Secretary Teodoro pointed out the necessity of investing in modern defense capabilities, particularly in cyber defense and naval infrastructure.

“We need to build a bigger, transformed, agile, and uncommon defense establishment,” the SND said.

He also advocated for reforms in laws governing national security, procurement, and government auditing to accommodate the evolving needs of the defense sector.

“We have to change our skill sets in the defense department, including all agencies. And in order to change skill sets, we have to change civil service and public service norms and rules,” he added.

Secretary Teodoro further appealed for the support of those in the legal profession in reinforcing the country’s legal stance on its maritime claims and sovereignty.

He also urged for the PBA’s support for the upcoming implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) law.

“We need to use law in an active manner in order to help the government catch up. And to do that, we have to tap the private sector and international partners,” Secretary Teodoro said.

“The 132 years of law will go to waste if we do not stand up now, take a brave stance, and tell China or other usurpers that want to transgress our sovereign rights, our sovereignty, and our dignity as a Filipino people that they will not win,” he concluded.

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