Voices rose. Lines were drawn.
And once again, China took center stage at the Senate floor.
On Tuesday, Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Rodante Marcoleta locked horns during a heated plenary session, clashing over the growing war of words between Philippine officials and the Chinese Embassy amid the West Philippine Sea dispute.
What began as a discussion quickly turned into a sharp exchange.
Marcoleta Questions Attacks on China
During the interpellation of Senate Resolution No. 256, Senator Marcoleta questioned why Philippine officials — particularly Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela — appeared to insult Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Marcoleta urged the Senate to pause and reflect.
He recalled past incidents involving the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan — cases where fishermen were killed during maritime encounters.
Despite those deaths, he said, Vietnam and Taiwan did not retaliate with public accusations.
“These things happened,” Marcoleta stressed.
“But they did not harm us in return.”
His message was clear:
Where does endless provocation lead?
Pangilinan Pushes Back
Senator Pangilinan, the sponsor of the resolution condemning China’s embassy statements, was quick to respond.
He dismissed Marcoleta’s examples as isolated incidents, saying they could not be compared to what he described as China’s constant, aggressive presence in Philippine waters.
“Whether they complain or not,” Pangilinan said firmly,
“they are already inside our exclusive economic zone.”
Then came a pointed remark that cut through the hall.
“I’m trying to understand,” Pangilinan added,
“why the good gentleman seems to be defending China.”
“I Am Not Defending China”
Marcoleta bristled.
He denied the accusation outright.
“I am not defending China,” he said.
“We are defending Philippine interests.”
But he doubled down on his criticism of Commodore Tarriela.
Marcoleta pointed to a recent incident near Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese vessels helped rescue 17 Filipino crew members from a capsized cargo ship.
Instead of gratitude, Marcoleta said Tarriela’s response came off as condescending.
“They saved 17 of our people,” he said.
“And yet, the thanks given did not come from the heart.”
Senate Resolution Still on Hold
At least 15 senators have already signed the draft resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s statements, calling them disrespectful and contrary to diplomatic norms.
The resolution urges the Department of Foreign Affairs to act — to protect the country’s dignity and assert its rights under international law.
However, its adoption was delayed.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called for a committee hearing first, with further interpellation set for February 4.
Tensions Spill Over to the House
The dispute didn’t stop at the Senate.
Across the hall, tempers also flared in the House of Representatives.
During a privilege speech, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan criticized Commodore Tarriela for displaying a caricature of President Xi — an image shown during a talk and later posted online.
That criticism drew a fierce response.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez sprang to Tarriela’s defense, accusing Libanan of siding with China.
“Tarriela is just doing his job,” Rodriguez said.
“China has been violating the rights of the Filipino people.”
Rodriguez went further — threatening to push for an ethics probe if Libanan refused to withdraw his remarks.
“We Must Act With Discipline”
Libanan stood his ground.
He denied defending China and said his concern was about professionalism and measured diplomacy.
“If we keep shouting,” he warned,
“we won’t be heard.”
The exchange grew so tense that other lawmakers had to step in to cool things down.
