SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta is committed to advocating for a neutral foreign policy to reduce tensions in the West Philippine Sea if he secures a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections.
"Let us maintain a neutral foreign policy. Maging kaibigan natin ang lahat ng bansa, huwag nating i-antagonize ang China, huwag tayong masyadong makiling sa America to the point na parang ang kalaban natin ang China," Marcoleta said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday.
"Kung kaibiganin natin ang China, wala tayong kalaban pati ‘yung pagtatala ng ating West Philippine Sea maaring mapadali natin," he added.
He also pointed out that Section 123 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines the South China Sea as a semi-enclosed sea. He explained that being a semi-enclosed sea means coastal states are responsible for establishing cooperation in exploration, exploitation, conservation, preservation, and research.
The lawmaker stood firm that the arbitral award identifies the Scarborough Shoal as a traditional fishing ground, noting that it is a private right that even China is obligated to recognize.
Meanwhile, in response to accusations of being "pro-China," he clarified that he is not. Marcoleta stated that his intention is to avoid antagonizing any nation, highlighting the importance of staying neutral to build friendly relations with all countries.
No WPS claim during congressional inquiry
During the House TriCom hearing on misinformation and disinformation, Marcoleta drew criticism after asserting that the West Philippine Sea does not exist and is simply a concept created by the Philippines.
He further asserted that no maps recognize the existence of a body of water called the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) firmly rejected Marcoleta's statement, calling it a disservice and an embarrassment not only to his party but also to the organization he represents and even his own family.
At the congressional hearing, the Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) proposed that, to keep citizens updated on the West Philippine Sea situation, it is important to educate and empower the public.
Marcoleta said that he agreed with the suggestion, stating that he supports the idea but emphasized that it is necessary to involve various government agencies, as it is no easy task.
He further noted that the Philippines coined the name "West Philippine Sea" for the body of water, emphasizing that, under domestic law, it is an understanding shared only among Filipinos.
Additionally, he said that the name should also be communicated to the international community.
However, he reiterated that the West Philippine Sea is indeed within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, emphasizing that it belongs to the Philippines.
"Atin talaga 'yan at iyan ay ipaglalaban natin ng patayan hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang patak ng ating dugo," the lawmaker firmly stated.
"Ang nagiging problema lang, ginagamit natin ‘yan, hindi naiintindihan ng ibang bansa hanggat hindi natin maipatatala officially," he added.
He also pointed out that one of the issues he encountered was the response from PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, who, according to him, misunderstood his remarks and even called him a "traitor."
His plans to support the marginalized sector
Marcoleta stated that his reason for running for senator is to address the ongoing issue of rising prices of goods, citing that 75% of Filipinos consider themselves as poor.
"Ang isa po sa paraan, ‘yan pong katiwalian at tsaka corruption po ay kailangan nating maisawata. Tignan po nating mabuti ang pinagmumulan ng lahat ‘yan," he added.
"Bakit ikaw?"
"Itong pagtakbo ko ngayon ay masasabi ko talagang seryosohan ito at walang atrasan, siguradong sigurado tayo," Marcoleta answered when asked on why Filipino should vote him.
Marcoleta said he is confident that he will be able to contribute significant legislation that will provide solutions amid the country's current challenges.
Moreover, he vowed to be a catalyst for diverse voices in the Senate, fostering hope and promoting positive change.
Marcoleta served as the House Senior Deputy Majority Leader during the 17th Congress, Deputy Speaker in the 18th Congress, and Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation during the 15th Congress.
A close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, he is seeking election under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) Laban.
