Sen. Robin Padilla praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Friday for rejecting calls to declare Chinese officials persona non grata after warning that this could lead to a Chinese invasion of the country.
Padilla earlier criticized individuals for provoking China, saying that inflammatory actions could escalate tensions and harm national interests.
In a video posted on social media, the opposition senator was seen at sea with several companions singing patriotic songs, including “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” and the Philippine Navy hymn, while urging the public to watch the footage to compare action with rhetoric.
Padilla argued that reckless moves could give China a pretext to intensify its actions against the Philippines, potentially leading to conflict and destruction.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday backed the president’s position and addressed concerns raised by Padilla.
“We may have different perceptions and opinions with regard to the People’s Republic of China, but I respect his opinion,” Tarriela said. “However, standing firm on the West Philippine Sea and exposing Chinese aggression is not an escalation or provocation — it is simply the presentation of facts.”
Tarriela stressed that the government’s public disclosures about incidents in the WPS are intended to inform Filipinos and raise awareness, not to incite conflict.
“For almost two years now, we have been releasing information about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea. There is nothing fabricated. There are media onboard, and there are eyewitness accounts,” he said.
He also downplayed fears that transparency could lead to armed conflict, noting that President Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized diplomacy as the country’s primary tool in resolving disputes.
“For three years, President Marcos has firmly defended our rights in the West Philippine Sea, and we have not reached that point,” Tarriela said. “As the President said, we believe in diplomacy. This is not about provoking anyone, and it should not be interpreted as something that would result in kinetic conflict.”
Tarriela underscored that informing the public is an obligation of the government, especially on matters involving national territory and maritime rights.
“Our duty is to let our fellow Filipinos understand what is happening. Transparency strengthens public awareness and national unity,” he said.
