MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela has urged Filipino voters to elect leaders in May 2025 who will stand firm on the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Tarriela emphasized that the country’s military modernization and maritime security depend on electing officials who prioritize national defense over foreign interests.
“If we are going to elect senators, congressmen, or local government officials, let’s ensure that none of them are pro-China,” Tarriela said. “We must choose those who truly support the Philippines and value the efforts of our Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.”
The Importance of Pro-WPS Leadership
Tarriela warned that electing officials who do not prioritize the WPS issue could result in budget cuts for AFP modernization and PCG capability expansion.
“It will be difficult for the AFP to modernize and for the PCG to acquire better resources if our elected leaders deprioritize the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
While not endorsing any candidate or party, he encouraged voters to examine candidates’ track records and whether they genuinely support the country’s territorial rights.
Rejecting Empty Promises
The PCG official also took a swipe at political gimmicks, alluding to past campaign promises about personally confronting China in the disputed waters.
“You can no longer fool Filipinos by saying you’ll jetski there with the Philippine flag to counter China,” he said. “For the past three years, we have shown the real situation in the WPS. Voters must scrutinize candidates’ actual positions on maritime laws, not just their slogans.”
A Battle for Future Generations
Tarriela stressed that the fight for the West Philippine Sea is not just political—but generational.
“This is our responsibility for future generations of Filipinos. We need to amplify our stance so that they understand why we are fighting for our territorial waters.”
WPS Tensions and the 2016 Hague Ruling
The West Philippine Sea, a crucial maritime zone for the Philippines, has been the subject of rising tensions as China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, despite overlapping claims from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s claims—but Beijing refuses to recognize the ruling.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the West Philippine Sea remains a key national issue. Tarriela’s remarks serve as a reminder that the country’s maritime security depends on strong, decisive leadership in government.