President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shrugged off Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta’s claim that the West Philippine Sea does not exist, calling it a political ploy to gain attention ahead of the midterm elections.
In a Palace briefing on Thursday, Marcos acknowledged that Marcoleta was merely expressing his opinion, emphasizing that, as a candidate, he seeks to capture public attention.
"He is a candidate so he has to grab headlines. Tama 'yung ginawa niya for a candidate," Marcos stated.
"Ngayon, everyone is talking about him na. Magaling talaga siya sa ganon," he added.
During the House TriCom hearing on misinformation and disinformation, Rep. Marcoleta stirred controversy by claiming that the West Philippine Sea does not exist, asserting that it is merely a concept created by the country.
He further stated that no maps acknowledge the existence of a body of water called the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard strongly rejected Marcoleta's claim, calling it a disservice and an embarrassment not only to his party but also to the organization he represents and even his own family.
Marcoleta is vying for a Senate seat in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections as an independent candidate.
On Chinese warship in the West Philippine Sea
President Marcos acknowledged that the country lacks the capability to remove Chinese vessels from the West Philippine Sea, citing the nation's insufficient resources and equipment.
"We don't have the means na paalisin. Hindi naman, buti kung mayroon tayong aircraft carrier na may kasamang destroyer, frigate, at tyaka submarine, papupuntahin natin doon para matulak sila palayo, wala naman tayong ganon," said Marcos.
"Kung sa palakihan at paramihan lang ng barko, malayo tayo sa China," he added.
However, Marcos reaffirmed that the country's policy is to continue defending its sovereign territory and territorial rights within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
He further emphasized that the country's Coast Guard and Philippine Navy will persist in safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity, regardless of the actions of any foreign power.
