The PCG slams Marcoleta over West Philippine Sea remarks, denouncing his claim that the disputed maritime area is merely a “fabrication” by the Philippine government.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela strongly criticized SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, calling his statement a “disservice” and an “embarrassment” to his party and organization.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 4, Tarriela reaffirmed the government’s stance, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is not a mere creation but an integral part of the country’s sovereignty.
Tarriela argued that downplaying the WPS undermines the nation’s sovereignty and weakens its position in asserting territorial rights.
He also questioned how such statements would be explained to future generations, emphasizing the need to uphold the country’s claims in the region.
Marcoleta made the controversial remarks during a House Tripartite Committee hearing on fake news and disinformation, where he alleged that the WPS was a government invention.
“There is nothing as West Philippine Sea. That is a creation by us. If you look at our maps, there is no West Philippine Sea,” Marcoleta stated during the hearing.
While acknowledging that the WPS is part of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), he argued that the complexities of the issue had not been properly explained to the public, making the nation vulnerable to foreign claims.
Marcoleta also linked public confusion about China’s activities in the region to misinformation and called for greater collaboration among government agencies to educate Filipinos on territorial disputes.
He urged agencies such as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to take an active role in countering misinformation and strengthening national awareness of the country’s maritime rights.