All senators’ caucus set to craft WPS debate ‘parameters’

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — All senators’ caucus is set to take place on Monday to form “parameters on how to communicate without hurting each other” after a row among lawmakers over West Philippine Sea issues, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.

“It’s a breath of fresh air that the Chinese ambassador told us, ‘Let’s talk.’ So, that’s a good opening,” Lacson told reporters after the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming in this city on Saturday.

“That’s why, on Monday, we’re having an all senators’ caucus. It’s not necessarily to argue about the Kalayaan Island Group or the West Philippine Sea but at least for us to establish parameters on how to communicate with each other so we wouldn’t hurt each other.”

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

Tensions among lawmakers escalated after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta suggested giving up the Kalayaan Group of Islands earlier this February.

Asked to clarify whether Marcoleta particularly would participate in the meeting, Lacson answered, “[It’s an] all senators’ caucus. So, he is also invited to join if he wants to join.”

He clarified that the caucus was a joint initiative with Senate foreign affairs committee chairperson Sen. Erwin Tulfo.

Tulfo previously confirmed that Chinese ambassador Jing Quan will be having a dialogue with the chamber after heated exchanges between the Senate and the Chinese Embassy in Manila over the Philippines’ defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights. /cb