MANILA — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said Wednesday that he and SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta are now “friends” after their intense exchange over the lawmaker’s claim that the term “West Philippine Sea” does not appear on maps.
During a House hearing on online disinformation on Tuesday, Marcoleta asked Tarriela about social media posts alleging that the PCG official had called him a “traitor.” Tarriela denied making such a statement.
When questioned about why he did not correct the misinformation earlier, Tarriela explained that he only learned about it after Marcoleta’s February 10 interview, in which the congressman called him “ignorant.”
“The only time I found out was when I heard your interview calling me names. Why would I even defend you if you’re calling me that?” Tarriela responded.
Despite their disagreement, the two later reconciled. Marcoleta approached Tarriela after the hearing, and they shook hands.
“He said, ‘Nothing personal.’ I told him, ‘At least we clarified that I never really called you a traitor.’ Our conversation went well,” Tarriela shared in an interview with one media source.
“Congressman Marcoleta and I are now close. So, I’d like to greet him—good morning, sir. Nothing personal, as you said. We’re friends already,” he added.
When asked whether they had settled their differences regarding the legitimacy of the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela noted that Marcoleta’s stance recognized the waters as part of the country’s territory.
“For me, the fact that Congressman Marcoleta says this area is worth fighting for, even up to the last drop of our blood, means he acknowledges it as ours—even if he does not call it the West Philippine Sea. That’s good enough,” he said.
“At least he recognizes that it is our exclusive economic zone,” Tarriela added.
The Coast Guard official emphasized the importance of unity among Filipinos on this issue.
“Otherwise, if we are divided, China’s claim over these waters will be harder to challenge. It would also be difficult for President Bongbong Marcos to stand firm on his commitment not to surrender the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
China asserts sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 international ruling that invalidated its claims.
Meanwhile, the PCG on Tuesday denounced the “dangerous” actions of a Chinese Navy helicopter that flew within three meters of a Philippine surveillance aircraft near Bajo de Masinloc.