Lacson defends ‘pro-PH’ senators, officials over WPS

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson described as “uncalled for” the use of “ad hominem” or personal attacks against officials and lawmakers upholding the country’s stand in its maritime dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Lacson fired back at Rep. Paolo Henry Marcoleta, who earlier suggested that a “Coast Guard spokesperson” and some “arrogant senators” be at the front lines or used as cannon fodder if China declares war on the Philippines, after his father, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, suggested the country give up the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

“The son also rises with his own ad hominem. Suggesting to use the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) spokesman and some senators as cannon fodder if China declares war against the Philippines is uncalled for,” Lacson said in a post on X.

READ: Lacson: Alliances could bolster defense of West PH Sea

He said the younger Marcoleta should stick to the issues and visit Pag-asa Island in the KIG so he could get a firsthand look at the functioning Philippine local government there. KIG is under the municipality of Kalayaan, which is part of Palawan province.

“He (Congressman Marcoleta) claimed those advocating a pro-Philippine stance are the traitors who have put Filipinos at risk, adding that one cannot fight for the WPS (West Philippine Sea) through posturing and “pahashtag-hashtag lang” (just hashtags),” Lacson also noted.

‘Keep challenging’

During the Commission on Appointments’ hearing last week, Lacson also shut down the suggestion of Senator Marcoleta that the Philippines give up the KIG.

“I was also surprised when I heard him say to just give up the KIG, and it immediately made me raise my hand to set the record straight,” Lacson said, adding that giving up the Kalayaan Islands is no different from surrendering Luzon or even the entire country.

“Kalayaan Island Group is a municipality of Palawan. I visited the area, there is a functioning LGU (local government unit) there, with a barangay and school,” he stressed in an interview with dzBB on Sunday.

He also recalled that when he visited Kalayaan in 2021, Chinese coast guard ships were visible to the naked eye, while local Marines said Chinese vessels would enter the country’s exclusive economic zone but would leave when challenged.

“I told them to keep challenging the Chinese vessels because they are testing them and would likely enter if not challenged. That would be an invasion because there are Filipinos living in Pag-asa,” Lacson said.