Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard for the West Philippine Sea, called on Filipino youth to take an active role in defending the country’s sovereignty by participating in the 2028 national elections.
Speaking at a youth forum, Tarriela underscored the crucial role of young voters in shaping the nation’s future, particularly in choosing leaders who will firmly uphold the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea.
“The biggest responsibility is to go out and vote, carefully select national leaders, members of the Senate and the district representatives. That is your biggest contribution,” Tarriela said.
He stressed that the youth must reject vote-buying and patronage politics, warning that short-term incentives should never outweigh long-term national interest.
“Let us stop the practice of voting for candidates because they gave us groceries and noche buena items. That is not their money, that is our money. We have to make sure that they will no longer fool us.”
Tarriela emphasized that the younger generation plays a vital role in sustaining the country’s stand that no part of its territory should be surrendered to foreign powers.
He also warned against the spread of disinformation on social media, urging young Filipinos to actively counter false narratives surrounding the maritime dispute.
“The West Philippine Sea is not disputed, it is ours. How can we convince the Chinese government that the West Philippine Sea is ours if we even doubt our own position,” he said.
Citing retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Tarriela noted that the West Philippine Sea issue is an intergenerational struggle that may not be resolved within a few years—or even decades.
“The reason we need to reach out to more people, to be more educated, to be more aware of what we are fighting for is because the issue of the West Philippine Sea will never go away that early, not even in our lifetime,” he explained.
He concluded by reminding the youth that the responsibility of protecting the country’s maritime territory will extend beyond the present generation.
“This will be an issue that will be passed on to the next generation. And the important thing that we need to do right now is to hold the line to make sure that the younger generation still have a West Philippine Sea to stand on.”