The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela named two Filipino vloggers as “pro-China” for allegedly promoting false narratives about the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
During the House-Tri-Comm hearing, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked Tarriela about vloggers amplifying China’s perspectives on the disputed WPS.
Tarriela identified vloggers Marck Anthony Lopez and Adolfo “Ado” Paglinawan, stating that they spread narratives contradicting the factual position of the Philippine government on the territorial issue.
Barbers immediately questioned Paglinawan about his stance on the WPS dispute and the structures set up in the contested waters.
Barbers countered Paglinawan’s statements, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which affirms the Philippines’ territorial rights over the region.
Tarriela reiterated the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which legally established the Philippines’ sovereignty over the WPS, refuting China’s claims.