Malacañang on Monday said statements made by Senator Rodante Marcoleta regarding the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) cannot be considered treason, stressing that the country is not in a state of war and lawmakers are entitled to express their views.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro made the clarification amid public backlash over Marcoleta’s remarks, which were perceived by some sectors as sympathetic to China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.
“Alam naman po natin na isa sa elemento ng treason ay dapat may actual state of war. Sa ngayon, wala naman po tayong actual state of war,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She added that debates in Congress, including those touching on sensitive foreign policy and territorial issues, fall within the bounds of legislators’ duties and freedom of expression.
“Kung ano man po ang napagdedebatehan sa Senado, ginagampanan lang nila ang kanilang tungkulin, at meron po tayong sinasabi na freedom of expression,” Castro said.
Castro, however, emphasized that the administration remains firm in defending the country’s territorial rights and national interests, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). She reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position that the Philippines will not surrender any part of its territory or interests to a foreign power.
“Ang nais po ng Pangulo ay maipahatid sa bawat Pilipino kung ano ang ating karapatan sa ating teritoryo at kung ano ang ating interes sa West Philippine Sea,” she said. “Wala pong anumang bahagi ng teritoryo natin o interes ang isusuko sa anumang foreign power.”
At the same time, Castro cautioned public officials to be mindful of their statements, noting that words can have consequences. “Dapat din po tayong maging tugma sa ating ipinapahayag. May kasabihan nga po tayo: ‘Ang magtanim ng hangin, bagyo ang aanihin,’” she added.
Marcoleta earlier drew criticism after suggesting that the Philippines should focus on the Kalayaan Island Group, arguing that ownership of certain areas remains unclear.
His remarks prompted strong reactions, including from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson on WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, who last week said that defending China’s position in the territorial dispute could be considered an act of treason.
Tarriela identified Marcoleta as among those whose remarks appeared to favor China, particularly after reports surfaced that the senator had suggested giving up the Kalayaan Island Group. In response, Tarriela invited Marcoleta to personally visit the KIG and join a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight, amid controversy over the senator’s statements that the Philippines should “give up” the disputed territory.
Marcoleta later said his remarks were taken out of context.
