PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela on Tuesday pushed back against remarks made by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, saying he does not deserve to be insulted or maligned for actions he believes were in the national interest.
In an interview, Tarriela said he could not see how his actions warranted what he described as personal attacks during the Senate’s plenary debate on proposed Senate Resolution No. 256.
“I don’t think I have done anything wrong in serving the interest of the people that would justify being insulted or demeaned by Sen. Cayetano,” Tarriela said.
He recalled that during the plenary debate, Cayetano suggested that he should remove his military uniform if he wanted to engage in public debate.
“If that’s the case, I can take off my uniform, and we can debate and talk freely, but it should be fair and without personal attacks,” he added.
SENATE CLASH
Tarriela’s remarks followed a heated exchange at the Senate on Monday, triggered by Cayetano’s criticism of the PCG official’s use of a caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping during one of his speaking engagements.
Ahead of the Senate’s adoption of Resolution No. 256, which condemns recent statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Filipino officials, Cayetano sparred with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan during the interpellation period.
Cayetano argued that the Senate should not approve the resolution if it appeared to endorse Tarriela’s actions and public statements.
“We cannot pass this resolution saying that Commodore Tarriela is correct, because he is wrong,” Cayetano said, adding that public officials are expected to observe diplomatic decorum, particularly when dealing with foreign leaders.
He further warned that endorsing Tarriela’s conduct could be seen as justifying the disrespect of another country’s head of state.
TARRIELA QUESTIONS CAYETANO’S STANCE
Tarriela said he was puzzled by Cayetano’s strong reaction, noting that the senator previously served as foreign affairs secretary during the Duterte administration.
“I don’t understand where his anger is coming from,” Tarriela said, questioning when Cayetano last issued similarly strong statements condemning actions by China or the People’s Republic of China.
He also pointed out what he described as inconsistencies in Cayetano’s position on diplomatic decorum, citing past instances when foreign leaders were openly criticized by Philippine officials.
Tarriela clarified that the controversial caricature was shown during a lecture to university students, emphasizing that it was meant for academic discussion on incidents in the West Philippine Sea and was not presented to an international audience.
SENATE ACTION
After nearly three hours of debate, the Senate adopted an amended version of Resolution No. 256, which had initially been signed by 15 senators, mostly from the majority bloc.
The resolution urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take appropriate diplomatic action to uphold the dignity of the Philippines and ensure that state relations are conducted in line with international law.
It also condemns recent statements by the Chinese Embassy, describing them as inconsistent with accepted standards of diplomatic conduct and mutual respect.
Tarriela welcomed the Senate’s move, saying it demonstrated that the institution continues to uphold national integrity.
“For me, this clearly shows that the Senate still has integrity, and that the views of a few who appear to be siding with China do not reflect the official position of the Senate as an institution,” he said.
DISPUTE
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Philippine policymaking circles over how government officials should respond publicly to China’s actions and statements in the West Philippine Sea.
While the Philippines has increasingly asserted its maritime rights following international rulings and recurring incidents at sea, disagreements persist over the balance between assertive messaging and diplomatic restraint.
Tarriela has emerged as one of the most visible government voices on West Philippine Sea issues, frequently briefing the public and engaging academic audiences.
His prominence has also made him a lightning rod for criticism, particularly as debates intensify over how far officials should go in challenging China without escalating diplomatic friction.