Malacañang on Tuesday assured that government messaging on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) remains consistent despite different agencies handling policy and operational roles.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that while agencies may differ in tone depending on their mandates, all statements reflect President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s policy.
“Iba-iba po kasi ang kanilang goal, iba-iba po ang kanilang pagiging spokesperson, iba-iba iyong kanilang topic. Pagdating po sa DFA it’s more on the policy,” Castro said.
“Let’s say sa Philippine Coast Guard, sa operations sila. Magkaiba po kasi ang magiging mensahe ng Philippine Coast Guard as compared sa DFA…Nagkakaisa naman po, aligned naman kung ano ang gusto ng Pangulo—firm pero diplomatic. Hindi naman po nagkakaiba-iba.”
The statement followed the appointment of DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva as spokesperson on maritime affairs, amid heightened tensions between Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials.
Last month, China summoned Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz over remarks by Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, who criticized Beijing’s actions in disputed waters.