New Delhi, July 29 -- Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his annual state of the nation speech Monday that the country has become more confident and better prepared to defend its sovereignty, citing strengthened security alliances amid rising tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.

In a nationally televised speech before Congress, top government and military officials and diplomats, Marcos said the newly forged alliances would help the Philippines at a time of "grave need." Addressing domestic problems, he acknowledged growing public frustration, citing the midterm elections in May - where only half of his senatorial slate prevailed - as a sign of discontent over basic government services.

He renewed a call ...