Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela on Tuesday urged Senator Robin Padilla to clearly state his position on the country’s defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid ongoing tensions with China.
Responding to Padilla’s defense of the Chinese Embassy’s criticisms against Philippine officials, Tarriela said the senator may have his own perspective but stressed the need for consistency.
“Padilla may have his own understanding of what’s happening,” he noted in a television interview.
Tarriela explained he had already addressed Padilla’s earlier query on why the PCG was not using water cannons against Chinese vessels.
“He was asking, why didn’t you buy a powerful water cannon? I posted it on social media our explanation why the Philippine Coast Guard is not using our water cannon against the Chinese Coast Guard,” he said.
In a separate post, Tarriela warned that deploying water cannons could escalate tensions.
“Maybe their next move will be more intense, and they will blame us for their aggressive response,” he cautioned.
Emphasizing shared patriotism, Tarriela said differences in tactics should not weaken the country’s stand on sovereignty.
“My message to him, siguro naman pare-pareho tayong lahat mahal natin ang bansang Pilipinas. As to his position, as to how he appreciates our fight in the West Philippine Sea, sana malinawan lang siya kung ano ang dapat tindigan at ano ang dapat nating suportahan,” he added.
Padilla had earlier criticized Tarriela’s conduct during a plenary session, coinciding with senators backing a resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s remarks against Philippine officials.
Tarriela maintained that his statements form part of the PCG’s transparency efforts to inform the public about developments in the WPS, not to provoke diplomatic tension.