De Lima Voices Alarm Over Marcoleta's West Philippine Sea Comments
House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila De Lima has publicly expressed her profound concern regarding recent statements made by SAGIP Party-list Representative Paolo Marcoleta concerning the ongoing issues in the West Philippine Sea. In an official statement released on February 10, 2026, De Lima described Marcoleta's remarks as "deeply troubling and incorrect," highlighting the gravity of the situation in this sensitive territorial dispute.
Call for Unity Amidst Rising Tensions
In response to Marcoleta's provocative comments, which suggested deploying Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela and certain senators in the event of a conflict with China to test their courage, De Lima issued a strong appeal for solidarity. She urged her fellow lawmakers, as well as all Filipino leaders and citizens, to unite in defending the West Philippine Sea against external threats. De Lima emphasized that the Philippines does not seek war with any nation and is not instigating hostilities, but rather standing firm in protecting its sovereign rights.
Clarifying the Philippine Stance
De Lima further clarified that no one in the Philippines desires conflict, countering any implications that the country is provoking aggression. She stressed the importance of presenting a united front against what she termed as foreign bullying, harassment of Filipino citizens, and territorial encroachment. Her statement underscores a commitment to diplomatic resolution and national cohesion, rather than divisive rhetoric that could escalate tensions in the region.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny over Philippine-China relations, with De Lima's remarks reflecting broader concerns within the political landscape about safeguarding maritime interests. The call for unity serves as a reminder of the critical need for bipartisan support in addressing complex international disputes, ensuring that the Philippines' territorial integrity remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
