This statement was posted on 23 October 2026
We, the undersigned Philippine law professors, call upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to exercise decisive leadership in defending Philippine sovereignty against continuing Chinese hostility. The defense of the Republic is not merely a matter of foreign policy. It is a constitutional duty.
First, we urge the President to give his unequivocal support to Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. in confronting Chinese coercion and strengthening our national defense. The Secretary must have the full confidence and backing of the President in protecting our sovereign rights and the safety of Filipino personnel. No official charged with defending the Republic should be left to face foreign intimidation without the resolute support of his own government.
Second, we call upon the President to establish meaningful consequences for continued Chinese hostility. Diplomatic protests cannot be our only response when unlawful conduct persists. The government should announce that continued aggression and coercion will trigger proportionate and lawful countermeasures, including the recall of our diplomatic corps from China and the declaration of the Chinese Ambassador persona non grata when circumstances and international law warrant.
We further demand the rigorous enforcement of Philippine laws on immigration, labor standards, customs, anti-smuggling, taxation, and product standards. Foreign nationals and businesses operating in our jurisdiction must comply with our laws. National security cannot be subordinated to commercial convenience nor can economic interests excuse unlawful conduct. The same standards must apply to everyone, regardless of nationality or influence.
Third, we urge the investigation and prosecution of Filipinos who commit crimes in the service of a foreign power. Authorities must investigate credible evidence of espionage, sedition, unlawful disclosure of national-defense information, and other offenses involving the advancement of Chinese propaganda or disinformation, particularly where these undermine military morale, compromise defense operations, or prejudice Philippine national security.
Commonwealth Act No. 616 and the applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code must be enforced where the evidence establishes the elements of the offenses concerned. Deliberate participation in criminal schemes serving foreign interests must not be dismissed as ordinary political disagreement.
We recognize that freedom of expression is constitutionally protected. Criticism of government policy, however misguided, is not by itself a crime. But neither should constitutional liberty be invoked as a shield for espionage or other criminal acts. The answer is the faithful enforcement of the law, with due process and the evidentiary requirements of criminal prosecution fully observed.
The Philippines cannot demand courage from its soldiers and sailors while tolerating the weakening of national resolve through foreign coercion and unlawful interference. Our history, from the struggle against Spanish rule to the sacrifices of Filipino troops at the Battle of Yultong and the Golan Heights, demonstrates that Filipinos are capable of defending their country and fulfilling their obligations to the international community.
The question is whether our political leadership will match that courage with firmness and resolve.
We therefore call upon President Marcos to support the Department of National Defense, impose lawful consequences for continuing Chinese hostility, and ensure that Philippine law is enforced against those who commit crimes against the Republic, whatever their affiliations or motivations.
Sovereignty is not negotiable. The rule of law is not optional. And the defense of the Republic must never be subordinated to fear of foreign displeasure.
Signed: Philippine Law Professors
Dean Jemy Gatdula — UA&P Law
Nico B. Valderrama — UA&P Law
Rufino L. Policarpio III — UA&P Law
Amado Formoso Maralit — UA&P Law
Jedrek C. Ng — UA&P Law
Lester Nazarene V. Ople — UA&P Law
Judy Anne Yuki Yulo — UA&P Law
Roger Terence P. Camua — UA&P Law
Bellatrix O. Legaspi-Francisco — UA&P Law
Cristina A. Montes — UA&P Law
Joseph Peter J. Calleja — UA&P Law
Colleen I. Calleja — UA&P Law
Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino — Dean, Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Msgr. Gary S Formoso, JCD — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Prof. Edmund S. Tayao — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Dr. Juan Ruffo D. Chong — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Dr. Antonio La Viña — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Prof. Benedict G. Kato — Faculty of Civil Law, University of Sto. Tomas
Fr. Danilo R. Flores, JUD — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Fr. Lhem J. Naval — Pagadian Capitol College - College of Law
Dr. Jaime B. Achacoso — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Fr. Jerome U. Rosalinda, JCD — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
AD Pantua — MSU Law
Dean Genevieve Marie Dolores B. Paulino — Cor Jesu College Law School
Dean Pablito Sanidad
Dr. George Carmona — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Fr. Jun Arvie Bello — Graduate School of Law, San Beda University
Dean Ma. Soledad Deriquito-Mawis
Assistant Dean Jelyne Guadalupe — Cor Jesu College
Maruli Ali Garcia Sanchez — Cor Jesu College Law School
Manuel A. Rodriguez II — FEU Institute of Law
Dean Rabindranath Saludsod Polito — Misamis University College of Law
Alvin Claridades — PUP College of Law