University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director, Atty. Jay Batongbacal has declined a proposed “friendly debate” with Senator Rodante Marcoleta regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
During an exclusive interview on DZRH Damdaming Bayan on Friday, Batongbacal explained that Marcoleta had not provided a clear topic for debate, suggesting instead that the discussion would challenge the Philippines’ sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime territory.
“Ano ba ang de-debatehin? Kasi wala namang sinabing topic e. Pero parang ang pinupuntirya niya tuloy, i-debatihin lahat ng mga pinagsasabi nga niya na para sa akin, parang de-debatihin mo ang soberanya, karapatan at kasarinlan ng Pilipinas sa kanyang teritoryo at kanyang karagatan,“ Batongbacal said.
He added: “Ang mga ganong bagay hindi po ‘yan dapat dini-debate lalo na ng senador ng Republika dahil iyan po ay nasa batas at ang senador po ay sumumpa na i-uphold ang ating Constitution at ang ating mga batas.”
Batongbacal further noted that even retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who had agreed to participate in the debate, first asked what the exact subject of the debate would be before committing.
“Hindi po ako kakagat sa ganung klaseng debate. Kaya nga po, kung napansin natin si Justice Carpio, kahit siya ay umoo, sinabi niya agad, ano ba dapat ang pagdebatihan? At binigay nga niya ang mga question base sa mga usap-usapin na umiikot dahil sa mga pinagsasabi nga ni Sen. Marcoleta,” Batongbacal added.
Batongbacal emphasized that debating matters such as the Philippines’ legal rights over the WPS would be inappropriate.
“You're actually violating even your oath of office. Kaya hindi yan matter for him to raise in a debate. And for me naman, hindi talaga yan dapat dini-debate dahil una, alam nila dapat yan bilang senador dahil parte yan ng batas,“ he explained.
When asked about the Philippines’ victory at The Hague under the arbitration case filed during the administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The ruling invalidated China’s expansive claims in nearly the entire South China Sea, recognizing the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf extending 200 nautical miles from its shores.
Batongbacal said: “Base nga sa mga statement niya, parang either hindi niya alam o hindi niya naintindihan kung ano talaga ang legal effects nitong arbitral ruling na pabor sa Pilipinas. At 'yan nga ang pag-validate na tayo ay mayroon tayong exclusive economic zone at continental shelf na abot ng 200 nautical miles west of the Philippines. Wala pong question 'yan dahil nga sinabi ng tribunal na kahit ba may claim ang China diyan, walang bisa 'yan. Yung nine-dash line binasura nga dahil ’yan ang sabi niya,” Batongbacal clarified.
On proposals to share territory with China, Batongbacal stressed that such matters fall under foreign policy and require formal negotiation led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with adherence to proper legal and constitutional processes.
“Ang mga ganyang usapin, ’yan ay matters of foreign policy. At kumbaga dapat dyan siguro mayroong talagang studied or deliberate effort on the part of the government,” he said.
Moreover, the professor reminded the public that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) already clearly defines the Philippines’ entitlements.
Batongbacal’s remarks reaffirm the Philippine government’s stance that sovereignty over the WPS is non-negotiable and protected under international law.
