Voters should choose candidates who support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong position on protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stressed that candidates with a “pro-China” stance should not be elected in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.
Tarriela emphasized the need for voters to carefully assess whether candidates genuinely back the defense of the West Philippine Sea, merely claim to align with President Marcos’ policies, or openly support China despite ongoing tensions in the disputed area.
“This is the first time we’ll have a midterm national election where every Filipino is fully aware of the West Philippine Sea issue,” Tarriela noted.
“So, when electing senators, congressmen, or even local government officials, let’s make sure none of them are pro-China. Those who are pro-China do not prioritize the Philippines’ interests and do not consider the welfare of our Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, or ordinary fishermen,” he added.
He also expressed concern about working with lawmakers or local leaders who view the WPS issue as “not a priority.”
“It would be very difficult for the AFP to push its modernization efforts or for the PCG to acquire new vessels if those elected do not support the current administration’s policy on the WPS,” he concluded
Earlier, President Marcos said that none of his candidates are pro-China nor have they coddled criminals involved in illegal POGO activities.
“We are at a crossroads as a free nation. Do we want to return to a time when our leaders wanted us to become a province of China? Do we want to go back to the days when our country was turned into a gambling den for foreigners?” he said.
“There is no one among our candidates who applauds China and is pleased when we are bombarded with water, when our Coast Guard is hit, when our fishermen are blocked, their catch stolen, and our islands seized,” he added.
