PCG Spokesperson Firmly Declines Senator's 'Friendly Debate' Challenge Over West Philippine Sea
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela has unequivocally rejected Senator Rodante Marcoleta's invitation for a "friendly debate" concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). The senator had proposed the discussion before considering Tarriela's earlier offer to visit the disputed maritime areas.
Senator's Debate Proposal and Rationale
Senator Marcoleta expressed his desire to engage in a dialogue with Tarriela, former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea director Jay Batongbacal. "Before that, please inform Commodore Tarriela along with former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. Who is the professor at UP? Let us have a friendly debate before going there," the senator stated. He emphasized that his goal was to ensure the issue is handled correctly for the nation's benefit.
This invitation followed Tarriela's prior offer for Marcoleta to join a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight to the KIG. The senator had previously suggested that the Philippines might "surrender" some features of the island group, arguing they lie outside the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
PCG's Strong Rejection and Legal Stance
In a decisive Facebook post, Commodore Tarriela firmly declined the debate proposal. "I would be happy to arrange a light-hearted discussion on less consequential matters—perhaps food preferences, current fashion trends, or other societal topics—but our nation's territorial integrity and legal entitlements in the West Philippine Sea are not subjects for public debate," the PCG official asserted.
Tarriela further explained that he believes Justice Antonio Carpio and Professor Jay Batongbacal, along with any Filipino with a clear understanding of the nation's robust legal position, would also refuse such a debate. "For us, this is not a debatable proposition; it is a matter of settled law, national interest, and patriotic duty," he added.
The spokesperson clarified that the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS are firmly established by the 2016 Arbitral Award, the Constitution, and existing national laws, and are not open to negotiation or public spectacle. He stressed that, as a senator, Marcoleta has a duty to defend these rights.
Ongoing Invitation and Broader Context
Despite the rejection, Tarriela reaffirmed his open invitation for Senator Marcoleta to participate in a Maritime Domain Awareness flight or sovereign patrol aboard a PCG vessel in the KIG. "My invitation to join a Maritime Domain Awareness flight or sovereign patrol onboard PCG vessel for a full experience in KIG—together with your son, who idolizes you—remains open!" he reiterated.
Meanwhile, Palace press officer Claire Castro commented during a press briefing that while the senator's statements may not constitute treason, those who persistently promote narratives resembling Chinese propaganda should be prepared for potential public backlash.
