The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday emphasized that the next Philippine president must continue the country’s firm stance in defending its rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), while also taking a veiled swipe at former President Rodrigo Duterte’s much-criticized jet ski remark.
Speaking at a recent news forum, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, underscored the need for consistency and resolve in upholding the country’s maritime sovereignty amid escalating tensions in the region.
“We have to keep doing this. Kung mayroon tayong 89 percent na awareness ngayon, I am hoping na sa mga susunod na taon, tuloy-tuloy pa rin nating gagawin ito. Lahat ng Pilipino—Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao—maiintindihan ang pinaglalaban natin,” Tarriela said.
Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, Tarriela warned against electing a leader who would backpedal on the hard-earned momentum in asserting the country’s territorial rights.
“Ito ang dahilan kung bakit we need to reach out to increase awareness more para siguraduhin natin ang Pangulo ng 2028 is not somebody who is going to set aside our fight in the WPS at sasabihin ulit walang kinalaman sa sikmura ng Pilipino ito, magkakagiyera at mangangakong magje-jet ski,” he said pointedly.
The remark was a clear reference to Duterte’s infamous campaign promise, in which he vowed to ride a jet ski to the contested waters and plant the Philippine flag to assert sovereignty. Years later, Duterte admitted that the dramatic pledge was a joke, dismissing it as mere campaign rhetoric—much to the frustration of many Filipinos who had taken his words seriously.
Tarriela stressed that the nation could not afford to place its maritime interests in the hands of another leader who might abandon or downplay the issue.
“We have to make sure na ang mananalong president by 2028 is somebody who is going to pick up what PBBM has started. Itong pangulo na ito ang patuloy na titindig at itutuloy ang laban natin pagdating sa issue ng West Philippine Sea,” he added, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s current approach to the territorial dispute.
In addition to government efforts, Tarriela praised ongoing civilian initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s position in the WPS. He cited the recently held “Atin Ito” concert, which took place both in Palawan and on Pag-asa Island, as an example of how public engagement can help raise awareness and morale.
“We need each one of you as Filipinos to amplify our narrative and tell the world na may isang bansa katulad ng China na patuloy na nanghaharang sa ordinaryong mangingisda at nagva-violate ng international law,” Tarriela said.
As tensions in the West Philippine Sea persist, the PCG’s message is clear: the fight for national sovereignty must continue—with or without theatrics.