Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela on Wednesday questioned whether Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte is "pro-China" after the lawmaker criticized his approach to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue and urged the government to rely on "diplomacy" in dealing with Beijing.

This comes following Duterte's earlier remarks calling for restraint and warning against "demonizing" China, while clarifying that his position did not mean abandoning the Philippines' claims in the disputed waters.

In a lengthy social media post, Tarriela said China—not him—should be the focus of criticism for its continued actions in the West Philippine Sea.

"Honorable Paolo Duterte, bakit ako ang kinagagalitan mo, gayong China ang nangigipit sa mga Pilipino. Parang magkakampi pa kayo—pareho kayo ng linyahan. Pro-China ka ba, Sir?" Tarriela said.

Tarriela also brushed aside Duterte's remarks referencing his past at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), saying he had already moved on from the issue.

"Kung pag-aaral ang gagawin nating sukatan, mukha namang mas maayos ang academic credentials ko ngayon kumpara sa issue mo," he said.

Responding to Duterte's call for diplomacy, Tarriela said the Philippines continues to engage Beijing through diplomatic channels, stressing that diplomatic relations remain in place despite tensions in the WPS.

He added that remaining silent in the face of China's actions is "not diplomacy" but a "defeatist mindset."

"Huwag kang malito: China ang may sariling interpretasyon ng mga insidente, ng UNCLOS, at ng 2016 Arbitral Award — hindi ako. Ang ginagawa ko lang ay ilahad sa publiko ang totoong nangyayari sa WPS. O baka ang gusto mo ay manahimik tayo habang hina-harass tayo ng China? Ang pananahimik sa harap ng agresyon ay hindi diplomacy — defeatist mindset iyan na wala na tayong magagawa," Tarriela said.

The PCG spokesperson also criticized Duterte for allegedly remaining silent on incidents involving Filipino fishermen, Coast Guard personnel, and soldiers facing harassment from Chinese vessels.

"Nagulat ako na concerned ka pala sa sakripisyo ng ating mga sundalo, Coast Guard, at mangingisdang Pilipino. Pero sa lahat ng pangigipit ng China sa kanila, ni isang statement ay wala kang inilabas," Tarriela said.

He added, "At correction: Hindi kami ang nagpapainit ng sitwasyon sa WPS—China ang lumalapastangan sa karapatan natin bilang isang bansa."

"Hindi pulitika ang laban natin sa West Philippine Sea, at hindi ako nagpapagamit kaninuman. Tinitindigan ko ito. At correction: may pakialam ang bawat Pilipino sa pulitika — dahil kami ang bumoboto sa inyo!" the PCG spokesperson emphasized.

He also denied Duterte's claim that he receives a ₱10-million monthly allowance, calling the allegation "fake news."

"Huwag kang magkalat ng fake news, Honorable Congressman ka pa naman. Walang ₱10 million akong 'ayuda,'" Tarriela said.

He then raised questions about the alleged ₱51 billion mentioned by Undersecretary Cabral last year, saying many people were seeking accountability, particularly after recent flooding in Davao.