A PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) official for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) affairs has publicly criticized Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte over remarks made in his podcast, particularly Duterte’s comments on the use of “made in China” products.
PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Cmdr. Jay Tarriela addressed the issue in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Tarriela shared a clip from Duterte’s July podcast where the Mayor reportedly challenged critics to stop using “made in China” goods before speaking out against China or calling him “pro-China.”
In a clear rebuttal, Tarriela asserted that the country’s stand in the WPS is non-negotiable.
“Standing firm against China’s illegal claims and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea is not an ‘either-or’ choice between commerce and confrontation. It is a non-negotiable assertion of Philippine agency as an independent sovereign nation,” Tarriela wrote in the caption of his post.
Tarriela also turned Duterte’s own advice back on him, suggesting the mayor’s remarks were not fact-based.
“If there is one thing that Mayor Duterte said correctly, it is that before opening our mouths, we should ensure that our statements are anchored in truth and facts, rather than mere insinuations that promote a pro-China narrative,” he concluded.
The exchange highlights the ongoing debate between government officials who advocate for a strong, public defense of Philippine sovereignty in the WPS and those who favor a more conciliatory approach that prioritizes economic ties with Beijing.
