Rodante Marcoleta said his remarks on the West Philippine Sea were made to protect the country’s legal position and avoid actions that could weaken Philippine claims. He stressed that his statements were never about surrendering territory, but about explaining the limits set by international law on how maritime zones are defined.
Speaking during a Senate session, Marcoleta made it clear that the Kalayaan Island Group remains Philippine territory. “Lililinawin ko po, yung KIG atin po ‘yun,” he said. He explained that the issue he raised involved surrounding waters, not land. According to him, treating all waters around the islands as part of the country’s exclusive economic zone would violate several provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “Hindi po natin pwedeng i-connect yung territorial seas doon sa ating exclusive economic zone,” he said, pointing to clear legal limits.
Marcoleta said respecting these rules is essential, especially when the Philippines relies on international law to assert its rights. “Ma-violate po natin ang tatlong artikulo ng UNCLOS,” he warned, adding that such violations could weaken the country’s own legal arguments, including those used in the arbitral ruling. He noted that the ruling itself covers maritime areas and does not affect land territory.
He also rejected claims that he was suggesting any form of surrender. “Kahit kailan hindi ko po sinabi na i-give up natin ang KIG,” Marcoleta said. “Teritoryo po ‘yun.” He explained that misreading his statements distracts from the real issue, which is ensuring that Philippine positions remain legally sound and defensible.
Marcoleta said consistency matters in international disputes. He cautioned that applying legal rules selectively could harm the country’s credibility. “Kapag mali ang paraan, wala po tayong magagawang mabuti,” he said.
He also raised concern over the absence of a finalized official map of the West Philippine Sea. “Hanggang ngayon po ay wala pa tayong mapa,” he said, stressing the need for clarity to guide public understanding and policy decisions.
Marcoleta said his position is rooted in accuracy and responsibility. “Hindi po ako traydor,” he said, emphasizing that his goal is to protect national interest through law, reason, and careful judgment.
