Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. firmly protects national interests. She acknowledged every Filipino's right to free expression but emphasized that public statements must align with the policy that no part of the territory or national interests will be surrendered to any foreign power. Castro also noted that one element of treason is the existence of an actual state of war, which she said is not the current situation in the Philippines. Earlier, Senator Rodante Marcoleta faced criticism after suggesting that the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) is not part of the country's exclusive economic zone and that it should be let go. He later clarified that he never said the KIG should be surrendered, claiming his remarks were taken out of context. 'What the President wants is for every Filipino to convey what our rights are in our territory, what our interests are in the West Philippine Sea,' Castro said.
