In his State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.directly confronted racist attacks by a 'neighbor,' referencing recent incidents involving artificial intelligence (AI) videos depicting Filipinos as monkeys.The President emphasized that Filipinos are a noble and dignified race, rejecting accusations of greed, racism, and dishonesty.

He highlighted the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) over the West Philippine Sea, reaffirming the country's commitment to upholding international law.

Marcos also acknowledged the risks faced by Filipino fishermen, naval personnel, and the Coast Guard in defending maritime sovereignty amid tensions with China.

The speech underscored the government's resolve to protect national interests through peaceful and legal means while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The remarks came two weeks after a Chinese state-run news website released an AI-generated video portraying Filipinos as monkeys, which sparked widespread condemnation.

Marcos' address aimed to bolster national pride and assert the Philippines' position in regional disputes, particularly following recent confrontations with China's Coast Guard.